The Best School Supply: Prayer
The lunchboxes are packed. The backpacks are ready.
But my mama heart? Still not sure I’m ready to let him go.
Here in Texas, many of us are sending our kids back to school this week—and it stirs up a whole cocktail of emotions.
For me, my “baby” is starting his senior year. Maybe you, too, are stepping into a new season and wishing you could hold on just a little longer. Every August, I feel that familiar tension—joy for what’s ahead, hope for the year, but also the ever-present mom-worry… about pretty much everything.
Whether your child is walking into kindergarten, heading through the high school doors, or already out in the world (I have a couple of those kids too), there’s something about this transition that tugs at our hearts.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the most powerful thing I can do in this season isn’t found in the school supply aisle or in a perfectly packed lunchbox—it’s when I bring my children before God on my knees in prayer.
So today, I want to share five Scriptures you can pray over your children—whatever their age. And if you don’t have kids, you can still pray these over yourself! I like to personalize the verses by adding my name, or the name of whoever I’m praying for, right into the passage.
You can pray them aloud, write them on sticky notes, post them around your home, whatever helps you keep God’s Word front and center. Each verse below comes with a simple prayer for you to speak over your child’s life.
1. Protection
“For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.” (Psalm 91:11, NLT)
Prayer: Lord, place Your angels around my child as they learn, play, and grow. Protect them physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
2. Wisdom
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5, NLT)
Prayer: Lord, guide my child’s heart and mind in every decision. Give them discernment in friendships, schoolwork, and every choice they face today.
3. Courage
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NLT)
Prayer: Lord, help my child stand firm in faith and kindness, even when it’s not easy. Give them the courage to choose what’s right over what’s popular.
4. Kindness
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NLT)
Prayer: Lord, help my child see others the way you do. Fill their words and actions with kindness, compassion, and a forgiving heart.
5. Faith
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:7, NLT)
Prayer: Lord, plant Your truth deep in my child’s heart. Strengthen their faith so it grows steady and unshakable, no matter what this year holds.
Mama, we can’t be everywhere, but God can!
We may not be able to walk with our children into every classroom or sit beside them in every conversation. But we can place them in the hands of the One who goes with them everywhere they go.
This school year, let’s make prayer our first response, not our last resort.
