21 Inspiring Back to School Prayers (with free Lunchbox Scripture Cards)

Praying back to school prayers is a wonderful way to kick off a new school year with power and confidence. Are you or your children nervous about starting a new school year? Perhaps your child will be starting a new school, a new grade, or will be in a new environment with new teachers and classmates. Maybe you are homeschooling your child, and are looking for prayers and Scriptures that will give you and your student peace and encouragement.

Take a look at these 21 powerful back to school prayers that can be used anytime of the year, and trust the Lord to give you and your children wisdom and confidence as they start a new year. You can also download a FREE set of lunch box Scripture cards at the end of this post!

How do you pray for the school year?

There are many ways that you can pray for your children as they start a new school year. One of my favorite ways to pray is to use Scripture to guide my prayers. You can choose a Bible verse and write it down in a journal or prayer notebook. Then you can use that Scripture to write a prayer in your own words. 

As our children begin a new school year, our minds swirl with many concerns. Will they make new friends? Will they make the right choices? Will they understand the class material? What about bullying and safety? Will they fall behind in their classes? As we pray for our children, we can take all of our cares and concerns to the Lord, for he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). 

Whenever we are bombarded with fear and anxiety regarding our children’s schooling, we can take every thought captive and renew our minds according to God’s Word (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:5). Let’s use Scripture to create powerful back to school prayers for our children!

Back to School Prayers: Protection and Safety

Scripture: But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Back to school prayer: Lord, I pray for the protection of my children. Thank you for protecting them from the evil one. I ask that you will surround them with your favor and protection as with a shield (Psalm 5:12). As they enter this school year and conduct their studies in the classroom, protect them from all harm and danger. May you watch over their coming and going–now, and forevermore (Psalm 121:7-8). Amen. 

Biblical Affirmation: I am protected from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Back to School Prayers: Wisdom 

Scripture: For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6

Back to school prayer: Lord, thank you that my children can find wisdom and understanding through your Word. Help them to find joy and delight in learning about the world around them. As they enter this school year, help them to make wise choices that will help them grow and mature. Surround them with good friends who will encourage them to make wise choices. Amen.

Biblical Affirmation: I am filled with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6)

Back to School Prayers: Peace

Scripture: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Back to school prayer: Lord, help my children to live in peace this upcoming school year. Thank you for your peace that surpasses all understanding. Help them to cast their cares and anxiety on you, and may you guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen. 

Biblical Affirmation: I have God’s peace in my heart. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Back to School Prayers: Discipline 

Scripture: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Back to school prayer: Lord, teach my children this year to cultivate good study habits and discipline that will help them grow as compassionate, hard-working students. Thank you that through Christ, you have given them love, power, and self-discipline to live righteous and abundant lives. Amen. 

Biblical Affirmation: I have love, power, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Back to School Prayers: Diligence 

Scripture:  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

Back to school prayer: Lord, I pray that my children will grow in diligence as they perform their daily tasks and assignments in school this year. Help them to work with all their heart as unto You, and not for the mere approval of those around them. May their hard work and diligence provide a harvest of good character and righteousness. Amen.

Biblical Affirmation: I am able to work for God with all my heart. (Colossians 3:23-24)

Back to School Prayers: For my Children’s Hearts

Scripture: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

Back to school prayer: Lord, I pray for my children’s hearts. As they enter this school year, protect their thoughts, emotions, and their souls. Help them to know that their emotions are part of who they are as humans, and that they can go to you whenever they are feeling hurt, angry, sad, or disappointed. Guard their hearts through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Biblical Affirmation: God will help me guard my heart and my emotions. (Proverbs 4:23)

Back to School Prayers: For their Minds 

Scripture: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Back to school prayer: Lord, I pray that my children will not conform to the patterns of this world, but will be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Teach them how to think and cultivate thoughts that are lovely, good, excellent, and praiseworthy. Amen. 

Biblical Affirmation: Through God’s Word I am transformed by the renewing of my mind. (Romans 12:2)

Back to School Prayers Against Temptation 

Scripture: No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Back to school prayer: Lord, thank you that your Word says that you will help my children to overcome any temptation. As they enter a new school year, please help them to fight temptation by the power of your Word. When they are faced with difficult situations, help them to call upon you for help and strength. Amen.

Biblical Affirmation: God will help me overcome temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Back to School Prayers: Prayers Against Bullying

Scripture: You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

Back to school prayer: Lord, please help my children to stand up against bullying this school year. If they find themselves in a situation where they are mistreated or bullied by others, help them to speak up and to talk to a teacher or a trusted adult. Help them to advocate for others in their school who may be experiencing hardship or bullying. 

Thank you that my children can call on you for help no matter what. Guard them and protect them from others who may try to harm them, and surround them with your loving protection. In Jesus name, Amen.

Biblical Affirmation: I am surrounded with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7)

Back to School Prayers: Courage 

Scripture: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Back to school prayer: Lord, I ask that you will gird my children this school year with powerful courage and boldness. Teach them that in their moments of difficulty and weakness, they are made strong in you. Thank you that you have equipped them with everything they need to live godly, victorious lives (2 Peter 1:3). Give them the courage to stand up for what is right, and to lead others as powerful examples of your righteousness and truth. Amen.

Biblical Affirmation: With God, I am strong and courageous. (Joshua 1:9)

Back to School Prayers: Friendships 

Scripture: The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26

Back to school prayer: Lord, I pray for my children’s friendships. Help them to choose their friends wisely, and to find companions with godly, honorable values. Help their friends to encourage each other to do what is right, and to spur one another on towards love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). Amen.

Biblical Affirmation: I can choose my friends wisely. (Proverbs 12:26)

Back to School Prayers: Prayers Against Peer Pressure 

Scripture: Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20

Back to school prayer: Lord, I pray against peer pressure this school year. Help my children to stand strong against negative influences, and to choose to associate with others who will encourage them to do what is right. Give them the strength to walk away from bad situations, and to walk in the light of your truth each day. Amen.

Biblical Affirmation: I can choose to be around wise people. (Proverbs 13:20)

Back to School Prayers: Patience

Scripture: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Back to school prayer: Lord clothe my children with patience as they learn to love those around them. In the midst of difficult circumstances at school or with their peers, give them your patience, love, and compassion, so that they may love those around them with grace and humility. Amen. 

Biblical Affirmation: I am clothed with patience. (Colossians 3:12)

Back to School Prayers: Guidance and Direction

Scripture: …let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance… Proverbs 1:5

Back to school prayer: Lord, give my children guidance and direction as they go about this new school year. Whether they are teenagers seeking guidance on what direction they should take after graduation, or they are younger children seeking guidance from their teachers and family members, help them to know that you are with them always. Guide them each day in your truth, and give them direction on the plans you have for their lives. Amen.

Biblical Affirmation: I can add to my learning each day. (Proverbs 1:5)

Back to School Prayers: Strength 

Scripture: He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29

Back to school prayer: Lord, please grant my children strength and power that can only come from You. Help them to realize that even in their weakness, they are strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). Give them mental stamina to understand and grasp new concepts in school, and the physical strength to accomplish their tasks each day. Strengthen their hearts, that their emotions may be able to endure the challenges they may experience. Help them to remember that you are with them always. Amen.

Biblical Affirmation: With God’s help, I am strong. (Isaiah 40:29)

Back to School Prayers: Creativity

Scripture: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Back to school prayer: Lord, thank you for creating my children with amazing creativity and uniqueness. I praise you because they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Help them to use their creativity to make this world a better place. This school year, equip them with everything they need to explore their gifts and talents, and to find creative ways to use their God-given abilities to advance your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Biblical Affirmation: I am God’s masterpiece. (Ephesians 2:10)

Back to School Prayers: Compassion for Others 

Scripture: Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

Back to school prayer: Lord, I pray that my children will learn to have sympathy and empathy for others through compassion, humility, and kindness. Help them to embrace those who are different from them with open arms. Help them to understand that you are a God of kindness and compassion, and help them to seek to be more like you. Amen.

Biblical Affirmation: I am loving and compassionate. (1 Peter 3:8)

Back to School Prayers: Joy

Scripture: The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

Back to school prayer: Lord, I pray that you will clothe my children with your joy, and may your joy be their strength (Nehemiah 8:10). As they start a new school year, may they be filled with joy as they learn and discover new things about the amazing world you have created. Amen. 

Biblical Affirmation: My heart is filled with joy. (Psalm 28:7)

Back to School Prayers: Prayers for the Future

Scripture: 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. Jeremiah 29:11

Back to school prayer: Lord, thank you that you have a wonderful plan for my children’s future. As they enter this new school year, remind them that you have plans to give them a bright hope and future. Give them the tools and resources they need to do their best in school, and help them to discover their God-given gifts, skills, talents, and abilities. Give them a passion to live out their purpose and call using the gifts you have given them for your honor and glory. Amen.

Biblical Affirmation: God has great plans for my life. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Back to School Prayers for Teachers

As we enter a new school year, we can also pray for teachers, staff, and administrators. Teachers have a very special calling, filled with joy, challenges, and triumphs. Scripture is filled with examples of teachers imparting wisdom and knowledge to others. Even King Solomon, who was granted incredible wisdom from God, reflected on the powerful role of a teacher in the book of Ecclesiastes:

Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. Ecclesiastes 12:8-10

Let’s pray that the teachers in our communities will impart powerful knowledge and instruction into the lives of many. 

Prayers for Wisdom for Teachers

The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. Proverbs 19:8

Lord, I pray for teachers in my community and around the world. Give them wisdom to teach what is honorable, excellent, and true. Help them to instill within their students a love and passion for learning and exploring the world around them. 

Grant them patience, love, and acceptance of their students, and give them a continuous drive, passion, and dedication to the field of education. May their work as teachers never be in vain, but may they produce a harvest of righteousness and truth as they seek your Word for wisdom and understanding. Amen.

Back to School Prayers for Parents

Starting a new school year can be a fun and exciting time for families, and parents often juggle busy work schedules, after school activities, and volunteer commitments. Back to school prayers are not just important for students, but for parents too! 

Prayers for Unity within Families

…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

Lord, I pray for families to have a peaceful school year. Help them to bear with one another, offering grace, patience, and kindness. Help each family member to adequately navigate the busyness of school, work, activities, and involvement in the community. Bond each family together with unity through the power of the Holy Spirit, and may they experience joy and oneness in their homes. Amen.

Free Back to School Lunchbox Scripture Cards

Feel free to download and print off some of the Scriptures from the back to school prayers in this post. You can print the Scripture cards out on cardstock and add them to your kids’ lunch boxes. These Bible verses and biblical affirmations will remind your kids this year that God is with them wherever they go!

Download the Free Lunchbox Scripture Cards Here!

In Conclusion

May these powerful back to school prayers give you and your children encouragement and inspiration as you look forward to a new school year, filled with new experiences and life lessons that will shape the futures of the next generation!

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