Back to School Prayer
By Carolyn Hulliberger
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people."
1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)
September is nearly here, and that means "Back to School"...new beginnings, filled with challenges for our students. What better way to impact the next generation than to be praying for them? Even if you don't have children in your home, we all have a responsibility to support and love future generations. After all, the schoolchildren of today are the pastors, presidents, and parents of tomorrow.
Here are just a few ideas of how we can pray for our students:
- Pray for their friends. "The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray" (Proverbs 12:26, NIV). Pray for godly friends, and separation from ungodly influences.
- Pray for a close walk with God. "...And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8, NIV).
- Pray for your child to feel God's love. "Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:39, NIV).
- Pray for joy for learning. "Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights" (Proverbs 18:15, The Message).
- Pray for good relationships with each family member. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9, NIV).
- Pray for wisdom to meet all of the challenges ahead. "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding" (Proverbs 4:6-7, NIV).
GOING DEEPER:
- Commit to praying daily for a student for this school year.
- Send an occasional note of encouragement to this same student.
FURTHER READING:
Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church's Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women's Ministries.
