Are we still in Back to School season? I keep hearing about it, but for some reason, I feel like we should be 3 to 4 months in already! I think that making turkey sandwiches for lunch boxes at 6:30 in the morning has something to do with it!
Our family has a middle-schooler, high-schooler, and a college sophomore. So maybe we’ve just done this thing for years and the newness has worn off!
Perhaps it’s because back to school feels so different these days. No more bookbags with animated characters. No more excitement over brand new crayons or pencil cases. We’ve moved on to dorm room organizers and filled-up gas tanks for the boys. Back to school no longer includes checking the homework folders for smiley faces but checking my phone for a text from my college guy.
So give me an unexcused tardy or points off for late work but I truly have been thinking about this post for weeks now. Yet here we are in mid-September and I’m finally sharing what I’ve been praying since that alarm clock starting going off in August.
Join me and let’s pray for our kids this school year. Somehow it doesn’t matter if we are holding the hand of a sweet little kindergartner or looking up at the almost-grown ones, our heart’s cry remains the same.
A PARENT’S PRAYER
Almighty God,
Thank You for the gift of our children. Thank You for uniquely creating them and entrusting us with the privilege of loving and raising them. Guide us to parent them with an understanding that You are the Author and Perfecter of their faith.
We pray for them in this new school year.
Lord, we pray for their safety. Protect them as they find their seats on the bus or behind the steering wheel. Watch over them in their classrooms and hallways. Moreso, let them be confident in You as their strength and shield. Hold them in Your Mighty Hand.
Lord, we pray for their education. As they read and study, let them have those lightbulb moments of learning. But above all required lessons, place a hunger and thirst for Your Word and Way into their hearts. Let them shine Your Light to others.
Lord, we pray for their identity. While they find their friend groups, clubs, sports, and their tables in the cafeteria, let them know they have a place. Yet greater than any role they may have, impress on their hearts their worth in You. Have them stand firm knowing they are rooted and established in Your love.
Thank You for a time for fresh starts. Keep our eyes on You as we run this race. Strengthen us when we grow weary. Forgive us when we mess up. Encourage us when we struggle. Steady us when we succeed.
And when we reach the end of May, remind us to look back and trace another year of Your faithfulness.
We love You, Lord! And in Your Name we offer this prayer.
Amen.
Beautiful prayer! As a mom of three preteens (how did that happen??), a high school senior, and a young adult trying to find her place in the world, I understand this post so well. Amen.