It’s back to school time

“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.”

Philippians 4:6,7

Every year during the summertime, we as parents have the pleasure of having our children at home throughout the day. We enjoy this time with our kids, because it is a time we could spend together as a family - church, traveling, picnics, parks, zoo; there are so many enjoyable things we get to do together as a family. But now the time has come for our children to return to school.

Each year as the new school year begins, my heart feels overwhelmed. Whether your students are going to kindergarten for the first time, or they are starting their senior year of college, it’s a time filled with exciting possibilities and scary unknowns.

We all want to see our children thrive. Our goals consist of helping encourage them to do their best, seeing them learn, grow, and get along with others. While we each hold our own specific goals for individual children, there is one thing we can do that will launch them into the new school year with a fresh wave of hope and God-centered thinking.

We can pray. As another school year begins, a high priority for us, followers of Christ should be praying for our kids.

There is nothing more important we can do at this time as parents than to pray – for ourselves, students, teachers and for our schools. Prayer is powerful and praying God’s word over those we love and appreciate is a wonderful gift that has eternal rewards.

With this in mind, please join me by praying with me the following prayer:

Dear God, we pray for your blessing and favor today over our teachers, our kids, and our schools. We thank you in advance for all that you have in store for every teacher, every child, and every classroom in our schools. We ask that you unfold great blessings and gifts in the coming days, that this would long be remembered as a year you worked in amazing ways, on behalf of every person we’re praying for.

Heavenly Father, when anxiety or pressures start to rise, please surround us all with your constant care and security, knowing that it’s your peace that will guard our hearts and minds in you.

Give to all students, teachers, and caregivers a clear sense of your love. May they feel your presence throughout this school year. Guide their choices, their quest for knowledge, and their relationships. Use their successes and failures as opportunities to grow in understanding of who you would have them to be. Continue to shape them, that they may walk in the way of Christ, grow strong in the Spirit’s love for all people, and know the complete joy of life in you.

In the name of Jesus, our wonderful Lord and Savior we pray,

Amen.

Photo:  Pastor’s column – John Todor