We know “the prayers of a righteous person”—which includes all who follow Christ—”is powerful and effective” (James 5:16, NIV). We know Scripture holds power as well--to correct, teach, guide, strengthen, encourage, and train. When, as we seek God’s best for our children, we speak His Words back to Him, we’ll witness supernatural life change while reminding ourselves of His love and faithfulness.
Here are 10 Verses to pray over your kids as they return to school this fall. (Simply insert your child’s name where you see the blank line, adapting the pronouns accordingly. For those with multiple children, follow this practice for each one in turn.)
Day 1: Psalm 139:16
Holy Father, Your eyes saw_____________ unformed body; all the days ordained for him were written in Your book before one of them came to be.
Thank You for knowing every challenge he will face and opportunity he will accept. Nothing will or could surprise You or negate the plans you have for my child whom You so dearly love.
Day 2: 2 Corinthians 1:22
God, set Your seal of ownership on_____________, and put Your Spirit in her heart as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Deepen her awareness of Your presence and Your love and give her hope-filled anticipation for all that You’ve promised.
May her hope of heaven not only give her strength for each day, but may it fill her with joy as well.
Day 3: Proverbs 3:5-6
Jesus, help_____________learn to trust in You with all her heart. May she lean not on her own understanding; in all her ways, may she submit to You, and please make her paths straight.
When she begins to veer from Your good and right path, nudge her back on course and give her the strength, courage, and desire to surrender to You, because I know however You lead her, it will always be good.
Day 4: Psalm 91:2
I will say of You Lord, “You are_____________refuge and his fortress, his God, in whom he can trust.” Watch over him throughout each day. Protect his health, his mind, and his heart.
Thank You that You alone have the power and ability to act as his strong tower, the shelter in which he can always hide. When he feels attacked by others or bombarded by life, draw Him closer to You, where He can find rest and encouragement. I thank You that He can trust You because You are completely trustworthy. Help me trust You with his care as well.
Day 5: Romans 12:2
Holy Spirit, do not let_____________conform to the pattern of this world, but transform her by the renewing of her mind. Help her to test and approve what Your will is--Your good, pleasing and perfect will.
When bombarded with negative influences, may she stand strong and immovable, in You. May she not adopt the priorities and ideologies of her peers. May she, instead, elevate the thoughts and hearts of those around her so that they become more reflective of you.
Day 6: Proverbs 12:26
Your Word tells us that the righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. As_____________forms new relationships and deepens old ones, guard his influences well. When his heart is strong enough to remain close to You, bring those into his life with whom he can share Your love and truth. But remove those students from his life that will lead him toward danger and deception.
Help him to develop the discernment he’ll need to build strong support systems with other kids. May they encourage one another to remain close to You and diligently pursue all You have for them. When others try to entice_____________toward potentially self-destructing behavior, lead him instead toward your true and enduring joy.
Day 7: Philippians 4:8
God, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--cause_____________to think about such things. Speak Your truth to him throughout the day and bring those truths to mind when he needs them most.
Ultimately, center his thoughts on You, the One who is noble, pure, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. May his thoughts be so filled with You and the things of You, there’s no room for any negativity or deception to take root.
Day 8: Philippians 1:6
Lord, I am confident of this, that You who began a good work in_____________will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Remind me of this when I get frustrated or anxious when she appears to not be growing or even regressing, whether that’s academically, socially, or physically. Show me how I can encourage growth, help me do my best, then surrender the outcome to You. When_____________becomes discouraged, help her to see her progress as well.
May we never become sidetracked by unreachable goals of perfection or the complicity that leads to stagnation. Instead, root us both in Your life-transforming grace.
Day 9: Ephesians 2:10
Father, I know_____________is Your handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which You prepared in advance for him to do. I know You will use every challenge, disappointment, and opportunity to mold him into the young man You created him to be, one who is able to do all You’ve planned for him.
I know, also, that_____________is Your handiwork, Your masterpiece--a priceless work of art lovingly crafted by You. Give me Your vision for my child and help me see the unique ways You have gifted him, including those special traits others might downplay or discourage. Give him Your vision as well and help him move forward with confidence and ever-increasing impact.
Day 10: Ephesians 3:17
Lord, dwell in_____________heart through faith and help her become rooted and established in love. May her awareness of and security in You enable her to deflect all the negativity others throw at her. Help her recognize her true value, which isn’t based on how she looks, her abilities, or who she spends time with but instead is defined by who she is to You.
May I actively and consistently show her the same unconditional, long-suffering love that You show her so that she more readily understands and accepts Your love.
Never leave her, never forsake her, and never give up on her, in Jesus name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Eye-for-Ebony
Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who co-hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast and, along with a team of 6, the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. She’s addressed women’s groups, Bible studies, and taught at writers conferences across the nation. She’s the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLou
She’s passionate about helping people experience Christ’s freedom in all areas of their lives. Visit her online to learn more about her speaking or to book her for your next women’s event, and sign up for her free quarterly newsletter HERE and make sure to connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and GodTube.
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This article is part of our larger Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayer for God's Help
Prayer for Strength
Prayer for Protection
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
