Table of Contents
- Biblical Examples of Praying for Others
- Biblical Prayers for Those We Lead
- 10 Prayers for Your Children this School Year
Back to school! As parents, we take pictures and make sure they have all the supplies they need — clothes, backpacks, paper, pencils, laptops, etc.
As churches and nonprofits, we endeavor to help kids while they go back to school, doing charity drives for supplies for those who cannot afford them.
All of this is good, and we should do it. But do we pray for our children? They might have all the material resources ready to go, but there are a number of important elements when addressing a new school year. Who will their teachers be? How will friends and classes influence the kids?
Do we go before God and ask him for help and assistance while our children go into a new school year? Heaven has all the resources our children might need, and we have access to Heaven's very throne through Christ's death and resurrection.
What a privilege we have! We should go before the throne to petition a Father who loves us on behalf of the children we love more than anything else on this Earth.
But what should we pray for? Perhaps you might be new to the concept of praying for your children as they begin this school year. Let’s explore the concept and power of praying for our children while they start a new year of school.
Biblical Examples of Praying for Others
In the Bible, the act of praying for others is highlighted as a powerful and compassionate practice, reflecting the interconnectedness of individuals and their responsibilities toward one another.
Throughout the biblical narrative, there are numerous instances where individuals are seen offering prayers on behalf of others, demonstrating a deep sense of empathy, intercession, and solidarity.
Abraham — the father of our faith — pleads with God in Genesis 19:23-33 to spare the cities from destruction if even a small number of righteous people can be found there.
Abraham's compassionate intercession reveals his concern for the well-being of others and his willingness to stand in the gap, appealing for mercy on their behalf.
In his letters to various Christian communities, the Apostle Paul provides a compelling example of praying for others. In his letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 3:14-19), Paul offers a heartfelt prayer for the spiritual growth and strength of the followers of Jesus in the city.
His prayer emphasizes their unity, love for one another, and understanding of God's immense love. This instance underscores the concept of praying for others' spiritual welfare and growth, highlighting the importance of communal support and intercession.
James 5:14-16 encourages believers to pray for the sick and to confess their sins to one another, illustrating the idea of seeking healing and restoration through collective prayer and support.
This passage emphasizes the faith community's role in lifting up those in need, spiritually or physically.
The gospels portray Jesus as a model of intercessory prayer. In John 17, often referred to as Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, he prays for his disciples and all future believers, asking for their unity and protection.
Jesus' prayer exemplifies his deep concern for the well-being of his followers and his desire for their spiritual growth and perseverance.
The story of Job provides another perspective on praying for others. After enduring immense suffering, Job offers sacrifices and prays for his friends who had provided misguided counsel during his trials.
Job's act of intercession demonstrates forgiveness, compassion, and a desire for spiritual reconciliation.
Additionally, the Bible highlights the practice of corporate prayer, where a group of individuals comes together to intercede for a common purpose.
In Acts 12:5, the early church gathers to pray for the release of Peter from prison. This collective prayer reflects the sense of community and shared responsibility that believers have for one another.
Biblical Prayers for Those We Lead
As parents, we have been given authority over them for a time. Our authority over our children has a purpose: to raise and teach them the ways of faith in God, exposing them to truth and discipleship and bringing them to a place where they can decide to follow Jesus.
Because of our God-given authority, we have a unique position to pray for our children. Yes, we should give guidance and rewards and consequences for behavior, but there is much we have no control over. God is sovereign over all, so we should regularly, consistently, and specifically pray for our kids.
The Bible provides valuable guidance on how individuals should pray for those they lead, emphasizing humility, compassion, and spiritual well-being principles.
These teachings offer insights into the responsibilities and attitudes that leaders should adopt when interceding on behalf of those under their care.
1 Samuel 12:23 highlights this responsibility and privilege to pray for those in our care. Samuel is the leader and deliverer for the nation of Israel, a prophet and priest, and he declares, “God forbid if I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you.”
One of the Bible's fundamental principles is the concept of servant leadership. Jesus himself serves as the ultimate example of this approach.
In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus teaches his disciples that leadership should be characterized by humility and service rather than authority and control.
This perspective has profound implications for how leaders should pray for those they lead. Prayer becomes an act of genuine concern, where leaders intercede with humility, seeking God's guidance, protection, and blessing for those entrusted to their care.
In Paul's letters to the early Christian communities, he often includes prayers for the spiritual growth and well-being of the believers.
In his letter to the Colossians (Colossians 1:9-12), Paul prays for the Colossian Christians, asking God to fill them with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of His will.
This illustrates a vital aspect of praying for those under leadership — the focus on their spiritual development and alignment with God's purposes.
The Bible encourages leaders to pray for wisdom and discernment in their leadership roles. In Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple (1 Kings 3:5-14), he asks God for an understanding heart to lead his people effectively.
This example highlights the significance of leaders seeking divine guidance and insight to make wise decisions that benefit those they lead.
The concept of intercession is another essential aspect of praying for those under leadership. In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Paul urges believers to offer prayers, supplications, and intercessions for all people, including kings and those in authority.
This broader perspective emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to intercede on behalf of not only those within their immediate sphere but also the broader community.
The Bible offers a rich tapestry of teachings that guide how individuals should pray for those they lead. From the examples of Jesus' servant leadership to Paul's prayers for spiritual growth and James’ emphasis on compassion and healing, these principles underscore the importance of humility, care, and intercession in leadership.
By following these biblical examples, parents can cultivate a heart of genuine concern, support, and spiritual nourishment for their children.
10 Prayers for Your Children this School Year
Praying for our children as they go to school is a wonderful way to seek God's guidance, protection, and blessing over their academic, social, and spiritual journey. Here are ten types of Christian prayers you can pray for your kids as they head to school.
1. Prayer for wisdom and understanding. Ask God to grant your children wisdom and understanding as they learn and engage with their studies. Pray that they grasp concepts easily and excel academically. Use these 15 Prayers for Guidance and Wisdom.
2. Prayer for protection and safety. We all see or read the headlines. From school shootings to bullying to a myriad of other issues, we can deal with anxiety or fear when sending our children to school. ~ 20 Powerful Prayers for Protection and Safety
God is with them throughout the day, always with them. Pray for God's protective covering over your children throughout the school day. Ask for His guidance to keep them safe from any harm or danger.
3. Prayer for positive friendships. Beginning in middle school, our children’s friends become one of the primary influencers on what they think, believe, and how they behave.
Lift up your children's social interactions, praying that they form healthy and positive friendships that will encourage and support their spiritual growth. ~ A Prayer for Friendships
4. Prayer for confidence and self-esteem. Our children will be faced with a multitude of opportunities to succeed or fail. These opportunities are academic, relational, and emotional. Pray for your children's self-confidence and self-esteem.
Ask God to make his presence and love known to your children and pray for the Father to help them recognize their worth and embrace their unique abilities.
5. Prayer for teachers and staff. Teachers can have a huge influence on our children, as well. The way they run a classroom can be welcoming or toxic, and their personal interactions with our children can make or break their hearts.
The teachers are people God loves, and he also seeks to show those teachers his love. Intercede for the school's teachers, administrators, and staff for their spiritual good and growth. Pray those teachers will be effective, caring, and positively influence your children's lives. ~ 7 Prayers for Teachers
6. Prayer for courage and boldness. Our modern culture is more and more toxic and resistant to the truths of Christianity, the Bible, and the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 4 Prayers for Courage to Do the Right Thing
Especially for those attending public school, but even in other situations like private school, our kids will be confronted with concepts and influences, not of God.
Pray for your children to stand up for their faith and make godly choices, even when faced with challenges or peer pressure.
7. Prayer for emotional resilience. Despite what old childhood cliches tell us, words can hurt, and our children are faced with a host of difficulties only made more so through access to social media and other avenues.
Ask God to help your children navigate any emotional challenges they may encounter at school, such as stress, anxiety, or peer conflicts.
8. Prayer for discernment. God is always with our children and can speak to them through His voice. He knows all things.
He promises in James 1 that if we ask for wisdom, he will give it. Pray that your children will have the discernment to make wise choices and avoid negative influences or situations. ~ A Powerful Prayer for Discernment
9. Prayer for a heart of compassion. When our children go to school, they are surrounded by other children, and many of those other students have hard home lives or are lost, confused, and hurting.
Yes, our kids need protection, but God may also use our children to encourage others and make a huge difference in their lives.
Ask God to cultivate a compassionate heart in your children so that they may be sensitive to the needs of others and demonstrate kindness and empathy.
10. Prayer for spiritual growth. God gives the gift of repentance and faith. He bestows grace and strength to follow him as he calls people to reconciliation and growth.
Pray for your children's spiritual growth and relationship with God. Ask that they would seek Him daily, rely on His strength, and grow in their faith throughout their school journey.
Remember that these prayers can be personalized and adapted to your children's specific needs and circumstances. Regularly lifting your children up in prayer demonstrates your love and care for them and invites God's presence and guidance into every aspect of their school life.
You will see God’s work and continued favor in your child’s life as you pray for them. Don’t stop when it gets difficult. Pray as a couple if that’s an option. Write down prayers and make notes about the ways God answers your prayers. Watch your child thrive and your faith grow!
For further reading:
5 Prayers for Teachers This School Year
Is it Okay for Christians to Be Anxious to Go Back to School?
How Are Children Gifts from God?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/LumiNola
