8 Ways to Pray as Public School Begins

Across our nation, public education for multiplied millions of students has already begun for the 2019-2020 school year, and for others it will begin soon. The launch of a new school year is a major event and is approached with varying degrees of excitement and anticipation, along with concerns and fears. As we move into a new academic year, please consider including the following areas of focus in your times of prayer:

1. God’s blessings upon all students, teachers, administrators, and staff throughout the academic year.
Public education is a huge team effort. Students are served not only by their principals and teachers, but by a host of other staff that care for a variety of responsibilities day after day. Pray for a covering of God’s blessings over the students who are close to your heart and over the student body in general. Consider praying regularly over a directory of names of people who serve the school in your area or district. Pray that God will give them wisdom and guidance as they fulfill their various responsibilities

2. Attitude of gratefulness among parents and guardians for the investment teachers make in their children’s lives.
Teaching can be a thankless job. Expectations and demands are high, yet expressions of gratitude, appreciation, and encouragement often are few. Take time regularly to thank God for the teachers who serve students each week. Many of them not only invest time well beyond the classroom, but also give of their own resources to enhance the teaching-learning experience in their classrooms. As opportunity warrants, personally express thanks for their efforts and pray that others will do the same. Words of encouragement and promises to pray can mean a lot.

3. Students who have moved to new communities, that they will adjust quickly to unfamiliar surroundings and form meaningful and healthy friendships.
Many students will have recently moved to new communities. This transition can add significant stress to the already huge challenge of a new school year. A key issue to adjusting is finding someone to connect with as a friend. Pray that positive, healthy friendships will be quickly established. Encourage students in your family or other spheres of influence to be sensitive to new students that are looking for a friend in their schools.

4. Positive and enriching learning experiences for students of all ages.
Although a period of “compulsory” (mandated, required) education has been established by law, learning also is intended to be compelling and life-shaping. Pray that students will be vitally engaged in the learning process through creative and relevant instruction. Pray also that distractions that abound in our culture will be minimized, allowing the students to focus on and apply the information shared in the classroom.

5. Impact of Christ-following students and adults alike who understand that they are sent to make a difference for Jesus Christ in their schools.
Christ-following students and adults are not on school campuses by happenstance. Schools are strategic mission fields providing numerous opportunities for life-changing divine appointments. Pray that godly students and adults will be sensitive to moments when they can redemptively influence students or colleagues through their conversations and example. Pray also for favor with school administrators in seeking ways to provide extra-curricular activities that can minister to students.

6. Teachers who are standing before a class for the first time, that they will have confidence in their skills and establish strong connections with their students.
In many public schools this year, first-time teachers are beginning their inaugural journeys in the classroom. While much preparation has preceded this moment, the first days and weeks can be daunting. Pray that new teachers will be infused with confidence and gain respect and appreciation from their students through their teaching excellence and character. If you know of new teachers, seek them out and assure them of your prayers.

7. Comfort and assurance for parents sending their children to the school for the first time.
For many parents, seeing a child off to school for the first time can be a very emotional experience. They are releasing their child into the hands of others with whom they are not personally acquainted. There are many unknowns. Will my child adjust? Will he or she find a friend? Will learning be enjoyable? Will my child be safe? Pray that parents will be surrounded by God’s peace and comfort and that their child will quickly adjust to this new experience for them as well. Come alongside someone you know whose child has just begun school and offer encouragement and prayer.

8. God’s care and protection throughout the school year.
Tragic events of recent years have raised great concerns in the hearts and minds of many parents and children alike. Pray for a covering of God’s protection over the schools in your area and across the nation. Pray for vigilance among administrators and teachers as well as security personnel. Pray that would-be perpetrators will be turned from their intentions and receive the corrective influences that are needed in their lives. Take time to do prayer walks or drive around the school property, asking God’s care and protection. Pray that the school year will be successfully completed without incident.

As you pray and intercede, give thanks to God for the wonderful privilege that our children have to attend school and learn. May we never take that for granted.