Ready or Not, Here We Go: Praying over our kids, parents and teachers this new school year

Joanna Jespersen serves as Minister to Children and Families at Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church in Dallas. 

“I want to pray that COVID won’t last forever and that we can go back to normal one day,” said our 10-year-old daughter when I asked what we can pray for her about.  

Over these last five months, our world has gone through more than we can ever comprehend.  Our children have gone through an enormous amount of change in their day-to-day lives and their childhoods are now forever marked by the entrance of an unknown worldwide pandemic known as Covid-19.    

As we move into a new school year, one marked with so much uncertainty, it has never been more crucial for us to pray. Now is the time to put our feet to action and pray bold, powerful Biblical prayers for our children, teachers and parents who are making important decisions at every turn in the midst of the unknowns. This battle may feel like ours alone to fight—but good news! This battle is the Lord’s! He is the One who goes before us and we can trust He is with us every step of the way.  

So, ready or not, here we go! Let’s join together in prayer over these 6 ‘P’s for our children, parents, and teachers:

Pray for PEACE to guard them during these uncertain times.

Philippians 4: 6-7 says, “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.”  

Pray for PROTECTION physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Pray for PATIENCE with the challenges of a “new” normal.

Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."  

Pray for PERSEVERANCE to keep going each day when life is hard.

Hebrews 12: 1-2 says, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

Pray for PROVISION of God to supply all of their daily needs.

2 Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”  

Pray for PURPOSE that God will remind them of His good and hopeful plan for their lives.  

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  

May God fill us up with His presence and allow us to see His power displayed at work in the lives of our children, parents and teachers through the power of prayer!