A Prayer for the First Day of School

Heavenly Father, merciful Lord,

We’re beginning a new school year, one unlike any other. Only You in Your infinite knowledge could have seen how 2020 would unfold. As children return to class, we trust You for protection, guidance, and peace for this new school year.

We pray for students. Whether learning on campus or at home, please bless them. Keep them safe and healthy. Ease their adjustment into the routines of school after a long break. Fill their minds with knowledge and their hearts with a love for learning. Please also help them to build friendships and have fun – to be kids and enjoy the innocence of childhood, even in a troubled world.

We pray for parents. Please ease their anxiety. Give them complete assurance that their children are in Your hands. As parents once again juggle work, home life, and school, help them to achieve healthy rhythms for themselves and their families.

We pray for teachers. Teaching was already challenging, and now teachers have even more to keep in mind. Relieve their stress. Preserve them from feelings of overload. Give them joy as they carry out their high calling. Make their homes places of comfort and rest, so that they may be renewed daily.

We pray for administrators. They’ve had so many big decisions to make. Give them wisdom. Grant them peace in their decisions. We ask for grace to be shown to all leaders who strive to serve well.

We pray for those who work with technology. Their role is more important than ever, especially for at-home learning. Give them insight and skills to solve problems and maintain effective systems.

We pray for Christian schools. Along with instilling knowledge about our world, they also are proclaiming spiritual truths. Shine the light of Christ brightly through all Christian schools.

We cling to Your Word, which says: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. … For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.” (Psalm 91:1, 3)

O Lord, our Deliverer, our Savior – our hope is in You. Please bless this new school year.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.