~ written by Connie Dunmyer
As we get near yet another school year, I thought it might be good for us all to think about praying for our kids and grandkids heading back. The list below is not new nor all-inclusive. But I do encourage praying the scriptures over your children. I also find the scriptures not only good for our school-age kiddos, but even our adult children. (Even ourselves.)
If you have children, perhaps you pick out one of these per day and pray it over your child before they leave. If you have no children in your life, then choose a neighbor child, or a child from church and bring their name before the Lord each morning. They may never know you prayed for them – but you can know you are making a huge difference in their lives. For the word of the Lord does not return void or empty:
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11.
So let’s pray scripture over our children. They are not just the future of our world – they are the present – and they are eternal!
- Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Lord, I pray that You will help my child to know that You are always with them, no matter what’s going on. So they don’t have to be afraid. Make them strong and courageous in You. And if something is hard, help them to not be discouraged, but to keep trying.
Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Lord, I ask that You will help my child to be kind to everyone they come in contact with – even a child who might be difficult. Help my child to be kind to their teachers. And I pray they will forgive others, and that others will forgive them.
- Proverbs 10:9 – Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
Lord, I ask that You help my child walk with integrity. I pray they will always be honest in word and deed. May their conversations and actions carry the moral clarity You have given them.
- Psalm 56:3 – When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Oh Lord, I know there are a lot of things out there that can cause fear – bullies, tests, new lessons, making friends. Help my child to remember that when they are afraid of anything or anyone, to say to themselves “I don’t need to fear because I trust in God!” Honor that trust, I pray.
- Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
And Lord, along with fear can come worry and lots of anxious thoughts. Help my child to not worry, but instead say a quick prayer to You. Remind them how You’ve helped them before. And give them Your peace that they may not even recognize at first. But it will change their hearts.
- Luke 2:52 – And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Lord, help my child to grow in all facets: physically, emotionally, educationally, and especially spiritually. I pray that because they are growing in You, their teachers, friends, and fellow students will know there is something special inside them.
- Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Lord, I ask that You give my child good friends. I pray they will have at least one great friend they can always count on. And I also pray that my child will be that great friend to someone else. I also ask that You will give my child new friends that they can “be Jesus” to.
- Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
Lord, I pray that even when they get bored or tired, You will help my child work at their studies with all their heart – as if they were doing it for You, rather than just the teacher.
- James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Lord, I pray that You will give my child wisdom. Help them discern the difference between right and wrong. Help them make the right decisions, even if it’s hard to be the only one.
Philippians 4:12 – I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Lord, we live in a time where there’s always someone who has more than my child does. Help my child to be content with their lives, and with the things they have or don’t have. Help them to not be envious of anyone else – not over possessions, or looks, or talents.
- Psalm 121:7-8 – The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Lord, I ask that You will protect my child. I ask that nothing or no one be able to cause harm to my child either physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually.
- Matthew 6:13 – And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, life is full of temptations. Please guide my child and protect their eyes, ears, mind and heart from all the noise and evil that is so prevalent. Help them make good decisions, so they need not fall into the evil one’s traps.
Find More "Yield" Articles | Get Future "Yield" Delivered to Your Inbox
© 2025: Connie F. Dunmyer, All Rights Reserved.