Back to school prayer ideas for our children
I went on a field trip to a farm with my granddaughter Reghan and her Kindergarten class recently and it reminded me how important it is for us to pray for our children. I preached about this a year ago and posted it on my May 23, 2009 blog entitled “Prayer for My Kids.” There are sample prayers I have prayed over my own children and now my grandchildren. If you are a young person or college student you can pray them for yourself.Also, one of my great sons in the faith, Pastor Dave Carrington from Pekin, Illinois wrote an article for his congregation on praying for children with sample prayers. I wanted to pass it on so you and your family can be blessed. I know it’s long but those with children will be thankful for these helps.
“Throughout the miracles of the Old Testament God would often take time to give a sign or an instruction regarding how and what he was doing at that time, and how it was going to affect future generations. After the flood He gave the promise of the rainbow. After Joshua crossed the Jordan river, He had them collect the twelve stones from the center of the river so future generations would know the hand of God. God is interested in passing His legacy, gifts, and plan on to generations so that the gospel of Jesus will continue to be preached.
As our children and grandchildren head back to school it is an appropriate time for us to remind them of the things of God and to pray for them to succeed as they grow and learn. There are a few things you can do to inspire them to live for God as they head back to school. First thing is read them some exciting stories of students in the Bible that made a big impact on the kingdom of God. Like King Josiah an 8 year-old king that led a national revival. Or the three Hebrew children that lived for God in a Godless environment. Inspire them by showing them that God can use people that don’t follow the crowd but stand for Him and His values. Teach them to lead not follow. Encourage them to look for Christian friends to spend time with that are making good choices. Second, pray for them. In the Bible you read of fathers placing their hands on their kids and blessing them. A great way to inspire your children is to take time in the morning and in the evening to pray prayers of blessing over them. Here are a few prayers to get you started, but let the Holy Spirit lead you:
- Before School prayer— Heavenly Father thank you for ___Child’s name___. I pray that you will help them as they head to school. Give them a clear mind so they can learn. Help them to make good choices regarding the friends that they hang out with. Show them people throughout the day that they can encourage. Keep them from fear and help them to overcome temptation and remind them that you are always with them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Bed Time Prayer—Jesus, ___Child’s name___ is such a blessing. I pray that everything they learned today will help them as they grow into what you want them to be. Help them where they are struggling and give them the strength to forgive anyone who may have hurt them through the day. Help them to feel your love and inspire them to live for you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
After a time a of prayer try to talk to them about how they are doing and try to get them to share how they are feeling. Then have them pray with their own voice and agree with them. These are just a few ways to encourage the next generation. If you are away from your kids or grandkids, phone prayers can be just as powerful. Take the time this fall to bless the kids. As you pray God will bless them.
God bless and know I will be praying similar prayers for all of God’s children at First Assembly – that means you!” ~ Pastor Dave Carrington
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