A back-to-school prayer for our kid’s heart (and for ours)

Dear Lord,

One of the hardest moments we face each year is releasing our kids back into the world – be it preschool, college, or somewhere in between.

While summer can bring its own set of challenges… and while we’re exhausted and ready for routine by its end… summer is a sweet season for us to connect in a deeper way with our kids. We get to spend concentrated time pouring truth into their heart, often using our words to undo the effects of the world.

So sending them back to school can create fear and anxiety because we want our kids to know how much they matter. We want them to be confident in who they are. We want them to thrive.

Father, will you bring peace and remind us that You care about those same things?

We worry and stress, wondering…

… will they be liked?

… will they fit in?

… will others treat them with kindness?

How desperately we want our kids to find acceptance with their peers without having to change to get it… or work to earn it.

Lord, will You remind them they’re already fully accepted by You?

So when their friendships get messy… when their grades fall… when their confidence crumbles…

When their feelings get hurt… when they feel like a failure… when they think they’re not good enough…

And when the words and actions of others make them feel insignificant… or when they mess up and hurt another…

Please be quick to remind them of who they are.

When our heart breaks for them… when we have to watch them walk out consequences… when we can’t fix their situation…

And when we’re triggered by their situation… when we are frustrated by the chaos… when we just want our kids to be “normal”…

Please be quick to remind us of who You are.

Thank You that You’re unchangeable.

Thank You that You’re unshakable.

Thank You that You’re unmovable.

As school starts this year, please remind us of THESE truths.

When we find ourselves staring at the tangling situations that face us, lift our eyes to You. When the insecurities in our kids skyrocket, remind us to point them to You. And when it feels like we’re being sucked into a tornado of not-good-enoughs… be our anchor.

Thank You for going before us to straighten crooked paths.

Thank You for standing beside us so we know we’re not alone.

And thank You for being behind us, gently encouraging us to continue moving forward. You are our shield and shelter.

I trust You with my kids because I know Your heart for them is always good.

Please send the peace of Jesus to rest on my home… my family… and in all our hearts this school year.

We need You, Lord.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Looking for a book that will offer sample prayers to help you pray for your kids? Check this out HERE.