And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
Colossians 1:9-12 (ESV)
As we stand on the threshold of a new school year, I wanted to take a moment to encourage you in the incredible power of prayer for our children. Just like you, my heart is filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension as my eight and ten-year-olds gear up for another year of learning and growth. It’s a season of new beginnings, new challenges, and new opportunities for our little ones.
In our household, prayer has always been a constant. We gather together before meals and bedtime, lifting our voices in gratitude and supplication. But as my children have grown older, I’ve come to realize that stewarding this call to pray faithfully is both challenging and crucial. Our role as mothers is not just to provide for their physical needs but to intercede on their behalf, standing in agreement with our Savior for their well-being.
I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find the right words to pray. There are times when we feel redundant or unsure of what to say. But in the midst of this challenge, I’ve discovered a beautiful practice that has brought me immense peace and strength. I have started praying Scripture over my children, allowing the timeless words of God to shape my prayers and guide my heart.
One passage, in particular, has become a precious gift to me as a mother. When uncertainty or fear creeps into my mind, the words of Paul provide unwavering encouragement and strength. They remind me of God’s faithfulness and love, and they empower me to pray with boldness and authority. It’s amazing how God’s Word can breathe life and hope into my prayers, transforming them from repetitive words into powerful declarations.
As we embark on this new school year, let us find comfort in knowing that God is faithful and trustworthy. We can entrust our precious children into the loving hands of our heavenly Father, knowing that He sees their every need and cares deeply for their well-being. Through prayer, we can invite God’s presence and guidance into their lives, asking for His wisdom to be poured out upon their teachers, friends, and circumstances.
Here are five ways to pray for your kids in the back-to-school season:
1. Heavenly Father, as our children go back to school, we lift them up to You. We pray that You would fill them with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Help them to discern right from wrong and make choices that align with Your principles. Amen.
2. Lord, we ask that You guide our children to walk in a manner worthy of You. May their actions, words, and attitudes bring glory to Your name. Empower them to be a positive influence in their schools, shining Your light in a world that needs it. Amen.
3. Father, we pray that our children would bear fruit in every good work. Help them to use their talents and abilities for Your purposes. May they be diligent in their studies, kind to their classmates, and compassionate towards those in need. Amen.
4. Heavenly Father, we ask that You strengthen our children with Your power. Give them the endurance and patience needed to navigate the challenges they may face at school. Fill them with joy and resilience, knowing that You are with them every step of the way. Amen.
5. Lord, we thank You for qualifying our children to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Help them to understand the significance of their identity in Christ. May they find their worth and security in You, rather than seeking validation from their peers or worldly standards. Equip them to stand firm in their faith and live out their purpose with confidence. Amen.
As moms, let us find unwavering encouragement and strength in God’s promises. May we find comfort knowing that He is faithful and trustworthy. And as we fervently pray for our children, may we experience the joy and peace that comes from entrusting them into the loving hands of our heavenly Father. May this school year be marked by God’s presence, abundant blessings, and a deep sense of purpose for our precious children.
With love and blessings,
A fellow mom
About Jackie Aviles
Jackie Aviles is an author, speaker, and licensed coach who communicates hope from a biblical perspective. After receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, she committed her life to standing beside those grieving through painful circumstances for the sake of others’ encouragement. Her passion is to see women taking God at His word, experiencing hope, and unleashing it into the spaces around them. She’s also a pastor’s wife and mom of two currently living in Miami, Florida.
