5 Back-to-School Prayers for Families and Teachers

Going back to school each fall brings a roller coaster of emotions for parents, kids, and teachers alike. Often, younger children feel nervous about meeting new friends, wondering whether their teacher will be too strict, and if they’ll be called on in front of everyone to answer a question. They hope they’ll be matched with a friend as a desk partner in the classroom and worry that they won’t be invited to their classmate’s birthday parties or that they won’t have anyone to play with at recess.  Meanwhile, teenagers struggle with wondering if they’ll have what it takes to make their favorite sports team, whether they’ll be asked to the first school dance, and worry over how in the world they’re going to be able to focus on maintaining good grades when they’re in the midst of navigating friendship drama and fragile dating relationships.At the same time, parents are dealing with their own emotions, feeling grateful to be back in a steady routine yet somewhat nostalgic, missing the extended time that summer provided for the family to bond. Just like their children, they’re mourning the loss of the freedom that allowed the kids to stay up late barbecuing, swimming, and watching movies. Teachers are also feeling the full gamut of emotions. Not only are they often parents of school-aged children themselves, but they’re also feeling the pressure to start the school year off strong and to make sure their classroom is a safe and comfortable environment—all while working through their own anxieties.  Why Should Families Pray at the Start of the School Year?Families should pray at the start of the school year because prayer helps us surrender our children, classrooms, schedules, worries, and hopes to God’s care. Each new school year can bring its own layer of concerns for families, students, and teachers. There may be new routines, classroom expectations, safety procedures, health concerns, academic pressures, social challenges, or simply the unknowns that come with change. It’s certainly understandable to feel all those things! That’s why I’m so grateful that we have a Heavenly Father we can approach with confidence. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT).We are not alone in the new school year—not as students, parents, or teachers. God promises in Proverbs 4:11 that He will instruct us in the way of wisdom and lead us along straight paths. That’s true for all of us, regardless of our individual roles or concerns. As believers, our ultimate Teacher is the Holy Spirit. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26 ESV).Whether you’re homeschooling, sending your kids to public school or private school, or have a kiddo heading off to college for the first time, there’s reason to pray—and reason to remember that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Here are five prayers to pray this Back-to-School season. Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Kenny Eliason