Last week I shared the words and intentions that the Lord put on my heart for my senior year, and today, I want to share some prayers over this upcoming school year. It's my hope and desire that we would partner together in prayer, bringing this year to the Lord and inviting Him into it. It's about to get real busy (if it hasn't already), and I know that I need all of the Lord's help that I can get. That starts right now, preparing our hearts and seeking Him. No matter what this school year looks like for you, whether you're a student, parent, teacher, or none of the above, I encourage you to join me in prayer! Jesus says where 2 or more are gathered in His name, He will be there, and even though we aren't together physically, I know that He honors those who pray in unity.
Before you continue with this post, I'd encourage you to find a quiet space to interact with the Lord. Maybe grab your Bible or cozy up with a blanket, but create space to give it up to Jesus and hear from Him.
Prayer of surrender
Lord, I give You this school year. I give You all of the schedules and everything that is to come. I give You the successes and the setbacks, the relationships and the events. I hand You every part of this year and invite You to be part of it. Help us to be aware of Your fingerprints and presence in every aspect of this school year, and remind us to pursue You above all else. Thank You for the opportunities and exciting things to come, and for Your strength to sustain us. We love You Lord, and we praise You for what You have in store!
Prayer for students' academics
Father, I pray over all of the learning that is going to happen this year. Thank You for allowing us to live in a place where we can receive an education and challenge our brains. That is a blessing! I pray that You would prepare each student to be ready to be patient and intentional with their learning. May we be enthusiastic about learning, but even when it's not fun, train us to work as if we're working for You. I pray that each and every assignment, activity, and exam would give You glory. I ask that you would lead us to successes and new accomplishments, all for Your glory. Please provide the help and resources to support the students who are struggling to keep up. May this year be a year of growth and amazing learning!
Prayer for students' extracurriculars
Jesus I thank You that we have so many extracurricular opportunities to get involved outside of the regular classroom learning. I pray that students would be able to find their place and their "thing" in a club or sport this year. Allow them to expand their horizons, meet new people, and just have fun, Lord! Use these spaces as new opportunities to reflect Your character. I pray for safety and success, in whatever capacity that may look like. Again, may we work as if we're working for You.
Prayer for students' community + friendships
So much of school is about friendships, Lord, and I pray that the people that we are surrounding ourselves with would be uplifting and encouraging. I pray that our community would reflect the biblical community that You have designed for us to be part of; that we would be humble and selfless, meeting together regularly, staying rooted in Scripture, serving together and each other. Please give each person discernment over who to invest in and who to be vulnerable with. Help us to be brave and walk in obedience to wherever You're leading us. May we love each other as You have loved us.
Prayer that the Gospel would be shared
Thank You Jesus for the incredible platform and opportunities that You have given us to evangelize and speak the truth! Thank You that we don't have to reach a certain age or achieve certain qualifications, but that You can use us right as we are. Allow Your love and voice to flow through us, Father, and instill a boldness that seeps into everything we do. May the people around us see You in us, Lord. Open our eyes to when and how You want us to share the Gospel, and may we not miss those opportunities. Thank You for this hope that we have, and that we have the honor of sharing it with others.
Prayer for teachers
Jesus, THANK YOU for our teachers! They do not have an easy job at all, but thank You for giving them patience and endurance throughout this year. Bless them and reward them for their hard work. Prepare their hearts and continue to produce in them the fruit of the Spirit so that through Your strength, they can handle whatever gets thrown at them. Help them to be creative and enthusiastic about what they're teaching. Bless the relationships that they have with each student, parent, and coworker, and may they be encouraging and uplifting. Provide rest and peace, because the days sometimes get long and hard. Thank You again for our teachers and for the amazing things that they are going to do this year.
Prayer for parents
Lord, we can't forget about the parents! THANK YOU for each and every parent or caregiver who is investing in these students as well. Thank You for their love and support, for the ways they show up at events and help with homework. Thank You for all the car rides and meals. I pray peace and rest over our parents, Jesus, that You would fill their cup in every way and give them the strength as we walk through such busy schedules. Help them to be patient and wise as they help raise us up, and lead them as they make decisions every day. Teach them to love as You love and forgive as You forgive, because I know that kids aren't always the easiest to love or forgive. Encourage them, Father, when they feel discouraged and drained, and cover them with Your presence. Thank You for the parents, Jesus, and the special blessing that they are.
Prayer for health + rest
Father, I ask for health, safety, and rest throughout this school year. Protect our bodies from becoming sick or hurt. Guard our minds and hearts so that we may stay emotionally and spiritually healthy as well. Remind us to create space to slow down regularly and consistently so that we don't become burnt out. Thank You for the temple of our bodies, minds, and schedules, and may we honor You with it all.
I don't know about you, but there is so much peace after praying and giving it all to the Father! Prayer helps me become less anxious about what's ahead and instead excited to see what the Lord is going to do. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to learn, share His love, and build community. Thank you for praying alongside me and joining me in surrender! If you have any more prayers to add, leave them in the comments below, so that we can continue to bring it to the Lord together!
Comments