10 Ways to Pray for Students, Parents, Teachers & Others Returning to School

We are in that season when students, parents, teachers, school administrators and others are returning to school or preparing to do so.

The start of the school year can be a rough transition for many people.

If you are a follower of Jesus, you know you can’t do it on your own.  None of us can. That’s not a sign of weakness. It’s the way God made us – to do life abiding with the Holy Spirit.

Prayer is an essential part of the start of the school year

Back when my kids were in middle school, they went to school called Northbay Christian Academy that was a hybrid Christian/homeschool – 3 days at school, 2 days at home.

One of the non-negotiables at Northbay was a mandatory parent meeting at the beginning of every school year. And a significant portion of that parent meeting we (parents, teachers and administrators) spent in prayer circles of 6-8 people.

It may have been the best and most important thing we did the entire school year.

Organize a Prayer Meeting

If you’re a part of the leadership of a school, I highly recommend organizing a prayer meeting for the  parents, teachers, and admin of your school.

If you’re a part of the leadership of your church, I highly recommend  organizing a back to school prayer meeting or setting aside a significant portion of one of your regular gatherings for prayer.

And of course, anyone in any organization and any setting can gather to pray – in your workplace, your church small group, your book club, your home.

When you do this, it might help to give people a printout of ideas for things to pray for.  So, here are some suggestions.

10 Ways to Pray for Students, Parents, Teachers & Others Returning to School

1. Students

• Growth in wisdom, knowledge, and character

• Protection from bullying, peer pressure, and harmful influences

• A desire to learn and do their best

• Friendships that are positive, encouraging, and Christ-centered

• For those who are followers of Jesus to be led by the Holy Spirit and be bold in living out their faith.

2. Teachers and Staff

• Strength, energy, and patience for each day

• Creativity and wisdom in teaching and managing classrooms

• Unity and support among staff

• Protection from burnout and discouragement

• For those who are followers of Jesus to be led by the Spirit, love their students and parents (even the difficult ones) and for opportunities to share their faith and point people to Jesus.

3. Parents and Families

• Peace and trust as they send their children into a new year

• Wisdom in supporting their children’s education and growth

• Healing in broken or strained family relationships

• Provision for financial needs, school supplies, and childcare

4. School Leadership and Administration

• Clear vision, wisdom, and integrity in decision-making

• Grace and strength to lead through challenges

• Protection over their mental, emotional, and spiritual health

• Open hearts to feedback, collaboration, and change where needed

5. Spiritual Growth 

• That students and staff would grow in their walk with Christ

• Revival and spiritual hunger among students and faculty

• Opportunities for the Gospel to be shared and lived out

6. Campus Culture

• A climate of respect, kindness, and inclusion

• That classrooms would be places of peace and encouragement

• That school policies would allow for freedom for individuals to express their faith, for Christian groups to meet, and limit the promotion of non-Christian values.

7. Special Needs and Vulnerable Students

• Support and resources for those with learning or physical challenges

• Advocacy and love for students who may be overlooked or marginalized

• Emotional and mental health support for those struggling

8. New Students and Transitions

• Smooth adjustment for students entering a new grade or school

• Confidence and courage for those who feel nervous or out of place

• Friendships and connection for those who are new

9. Extracurricular Activities and Athletics

• Good sportsmanship and character development

• That students would use their gifts for God’s glory

• That Christian groups like FCA, Cru, bible studies & others would flourish. That students and faculty would be led to take steps of faith to organize and lead groups.

10. Community Impact

• That the school would be a blessing to the surrounding community

• Partnerships with churches, organizations, and local leaders

• Outreach to families in need or crisis

Bonus #1: Listening Prayer

God intended prayer to be two way communication. We don’t just talk to God but He talks to us.  Spend some time quietly listening to God. Perhaps he will give you a word of wisdom or encouragement.  Perhaps he will prompt you to do something.

Bonus #2: Obedient Prayer

Sometimes when we pray, we hope God will supernaturally intervene in a situation. But often, God chooses to answer our prayers through other people.  And he chooses to answer other people’s prayers through us… through YOU!

If the Lord does prompt you to do something, obey – right away!  It could be something like:

• Start a group… of fellow students, moms, dads, teachers who will pray, read scripture and/or be on mission together.
• Volunteer – Perhaps God will prompt you to help in some way
• Give – Is there a school, teacher, family, or nonprofit the Lord is calling you to support?

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

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Comment and Discuss

• What Back to School outreach event(s) is your church planning?

Continue reading: Making the Most of the “Back to School” Season