10 Prayers to Pray For Your Child This School Year

While there are many things I desire for my children, I often lack the words to convey them. Fear rises as I look to the future. In order to remain on the offense rather than the defense in parenting, we are gifted the reliable words of scripture to help us form thoughts and intentions for our children. Like an umbrella covering them in harsh rain, allow these ten prayers to cover your child as they begin school this year. May these words of truth also direct our hearts as parents and align our deepest desires to the heart of the Father.

Dear God,

Thank you for loving my child even more than I do. I acknowledge that you know what is best for them. Thank you for the ways you have proven faithful time and time again. Help me to trust you above my wisdom, yet grant me the wisdom to parent them well in this next season. I pray that you …

1. Help my child remain rooted in you, Lord, because You are a sure foundation.

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:68 ESV)

2. Help them know that however they perform, You are already pleased with them. Remind them that they do not work for the approval of man but for You, God.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23–24)

3. Give my child comfort through your eternal presence, God. Help them remember You are always with them, and may You give them hope through grace no matter what they walk through this year.

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16–17)

4. Guard my child from the schemes of the enemy. I pray their confidence remains in You, God, and that You would use each day to direct their heart to Your steadfast love.

“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ. (2 Thessalonians 3:3–5)

5. Give my child peace at all times and in every way. Help us remember that peace does not come from easier circumstances or better grades but from Your presence.

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

6. Grant my child good health this year. Strengthen their body to heal and recover even in times of physical sickness. I also pray for their spiritual and mental health. God, that You would give them resolve in their faith and calm their anxious hearts.

“I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 2.

7. Provide friendships for my child this year that build up and encourage rather than tear down. When conflict arises, lead them to repentance by Your kindness and allow for forgiveness and unity to prevail.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

8. Grow my child in wisdom and increase their knowledge of You, God, so that they make good decisions. When they waver, grant them endurance, patience, and holy discernment.

“We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father.” (Colossians 1:9-12)

9. As my children go through this school year, I pray that they will not be ashamed of their belief in Jesus but rather grow in confidence in their faith.

“I couldn’t be more sure of my ground—the One I’ve trusted in can take care of what he’s trusted me to do right to the end. So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you.” (2 Timothy 1:12-14 MSG)

10. As they grow physically and spiritually this year, I pray they will also grow in gratitude. Help them remain thankful for the gifts in their life despite the challenges.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

I give thanks to you, God, always for my child, constantly mentioning them in my prayers. (1 Thessalonians 1:2–3) I look forward to what you will do in and through their life this school year. I trust you.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.