Parenting in an Age of Fear: Prayers for School
Every morning, as parents, we send our children off to school with a lump in our throats and a prayer on our lips. We do this because we know that schools are not safe havens despite the best efforts of teachers and administrators.
The lock-down drills, locked doors, and police cars in front of schools bring fresh emotions to the surface during parent-teacher conferences and morning drop-off lines.
How can we get past the lump in our throat when saying goodbye for the day?
Focused prayer allows us to cope with broad band of threats to their safety without smothering their ability to be productive members of society.
When we pray for our public schools, we are not asking God to keep them safe from all harm. We know that it is evil in the world and that it will find its way into our schools no matter what we do.
We are asking Him to protect our children’s hearts and minds as they learn and grow. We are asking Him to be with them when they experience fear or pain. We are also asking Him to give us the strength to cope with whatever may come their way.
Please join us in praying for our schools. Let us remember that God is good, even when things seem bad. He loves each of our children and wants them to have a successful future.
Prayer Against Physical Harm
Dear God, we come before you today asking for your protection for our children. We know that there are evil people in this world who would do them harm. Please guard their bodies and keep them safe from all physical danger. Protect them from bullets and knives, and please be with them when they are in danger.
We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer Against Emotional Harm
Dear Lord God, we come to You today asking that You protect our children from emotional harm. Too often, the things that happen at school can stay with a child long after they leave the building. Please shield their minds from images and memories that could cause lasting damage. Help them to process difficult emotions in a healthy way. Give them the tools they need to cope with their emotions in a Christ-like manner and be there for them when they have no one else to turn to.
Please keep our children safe from all evil that would cause emotional harm today, Lord Jesus. We know You can do this because Your ways are higher than ours. In Your name, we pray, Amen.
Prayer For Protection From Fear And Anxiety
Our Heavenly Father, You have told us many times through your Word how much you love each of our children and desire good things for their lives (Proverbs 19:18). Please protect them from fear and anxiety as they go about their day at school tomorrow! Help them not let worry overwhelm them or keep them from doing their best.
Surround each of them with Your love and peace, which can be a strong fortress against the fears of this world. Help them to remember that You are in control, no matter what happens. We ask all these things in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Prayer for Wisdom for Teachers and School Administrators
Lord God, we come before you today asking that You would grant wisdom to those who lead our schools. They face difficult decisions every day as they try to keep our children safe. Please give them discernment about how to handle different situations.
Help them to be patient with students and staff alike, and guide them as they make important choices about the future of our children and society.
We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Prayer for Trust In God’s Guidance
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You are always with us (Matthew 28:20). We know that nothing is impossible when it comes to Your will being done on earth as it is in heaven (Mark 14:14). Please give our children the ability to trust in your guidance every day while they are at school. Help them not be afraid of what their future holds because they know you have a plan for each of their lives. Give them the strength to stand up for right even when others around them don’t understand or agree with those choices. Allow our students’ minds and hearts to be open to the guidance You give them.
We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Prayer for Protection from Fear of Failure and Disappointment
Lord God, we come before you today asking that You would protect our children’s hearts as they go about their day at school tomorrow. We know that failure is a part of life (James Fail: James I), but it can be hard on students if they are not prepared emotionally. Please help each child to learn what he or she did wrong so there is an opportunity for growth. They will only get better with practice! Also, please shield their hearts against fear when things do not work out how they wanted them to. Help them remember that although disappointments may happen sometimes, You are still in control and have a good plan for their lives.
We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen!