Today’s guest blogger is Eryn Lynum, author of 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting.
I remember the slight feeling of shock when the email dropped into my inbox a few weeks ago. “School Orientation Email.” Blinded by swim classes, long days at the park and summer’s easy-going pace, I hadn’t realized the narrowing gap between the current date on the calendar and the beginning of the school year.
My mind went immediately to the clutter of school supplies strewn about drawers throughout the house. Are we ready? My thoughts also went to unfinished books on the side tables, Beginning Readers piled high about the living room, aspirations to have everyone ready for their new class this fall. Have we rested enough? I thought through our too-short summer, our adventures and activities. Are we ready?
This is the question, full of tension, that parents face each August. Are we ready for a new school year? The best way to answer that question is with prayerful preparation. We can send our children off on the first day with all the right supplies, but if we don’t send them off with intentional prayers, we’re missing our chance to spiritually prepare. Here are a few ways to pray for your kids as they head off to school:
1) Pray for Fruitful Friendships
Proverbs 13:20 (NASB) says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Pray for your children to quickly befriend one or two wise friends this year. Whether it’s at school, church or youth group, may our kids find friends who will encourage them in their faith, friends who will grow their confidence, not squish it. Pray for protection over these life-giving friendships throughout the year.
2) Pray Against Fear and Anxiety
Kids today are facing record levels of anxiety. From fears of not fitting in to fears surrounding grades and academic performance, to sports, bullies and social anxiety, our kids face fears around every locker-lined hallway throughout their school year. Whether they walk into their first day timid and anxious or march in with confidence, they’re bound to struggle with fear and anxiety at some point (or many points) this year. Try praying Psalm 91:5-6 and 11 over them:
“You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon…
For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.”
3) Pray for Discernment of Heart
Not only do kids face mounting anxieties these days but they also face many situations where decisions must be made. Whether they’re choosing a course of study or facing a decision about how to respond in an uneasy situation, pray along with Proverbs 2:7-9 for your kids to have a heart of discernment.
“He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.
Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.”
4) Pray for Intentional Moments of Connection
The pace of life accelerates quickly in September. We are prone to trade meaningful moments for frenzied activity. Let’s pray that we, along with our kids, will learn along with the Psalmist in Psalm 90:12 (NIV): “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” May we count each day as a gift, and create space for meaningful, intentional moments of connections as a family.
As we prepare to send our kids off to school this year, may our intentional prayers walk with them right through those front doors and down the hallways. Each and every morning, may these prayers be on our lips as we trust God to lead our children in protection, wisdom and victory this school year.
