Crayons, notebooks and backpacks have been purchased. Homework is making its often-dreaded nightly appearance. And kids and parents everywhere are stepping into a new school year with emotions ranging from excitement and anticipation to nervousness and anxiety.

Last night, we commissioned our students, teachers, administrators and parents for the 2017-2018 school year at our Back-to-School Night of Worship. It was an AWESOME night of worship and prayerfully asking God to meet us in the local schools and homes, and to do what only He can do in and through our community.

Many in the area are heading into their third week of school, and while the physical aspects of getting your child ready for this school year might have been already met, perhaps you are left wondering how to care for their spiritual needs. How does God play a part in their school career or day-to-day activities? What can WE as parents do to help shepherd our kids through circumstances and environments that we often cannot control?

With this in mind, we’re kicking off a special blog series this week on how to intentionally launch your kids into a new school year, or even just their day (if they’re not yet in school). Help your child get started this year on the right foot and with the right heart by making Jesus the focal point of their days, their year, and their life.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Pray Every Day

As a Christian, the number one way you should be launching your kids into their new school is through prayer – by praying FOR them and WITH them. Many things relating to school are often outside of our control and can only be touched by the hands of God. Talk to Him and encourage your kids to do the same! You can start planting those seeds at a young age and watch them grow over the years.

Remind your kids that prayer is simply communicating with God. At any point of their day, He is ready and willing to listen. He desires to have conversation with us and know our concerns, thoughts and fears.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

As a parent, an ideal time to pray for your child’s day is first thing in the morning. This could look a variety of different ways:

• Commit to getting up before your kids to spend some time in prayer and in the Bible. Pray over each of your kids: that they would have eyes to see and ears to hear; for hearts to be open to the Holy Spirit’s direction; for intentionality in relationships; for physical and spiritual protection; and for endurance and stamina through their day. And ultimately, pray that God would guide them to opportunities to share the love and hope of Christ with those around them.
• Spend some time praying with them over breakfast. Get into scripture by reading a short devotional or by just opening the Bible and reading together. This is a great way to turn hearts to Jesus at the start of the day. If you’re looking for a helpful tool to get started with this idea, we recommend clicking here and checking out “Jesus Calling for Kids”. We know God’s word is alive and active, and He can use it to speak to us – and our kids – over the course of the day.
• Pray during your commute. Whether you walk with your child to school or you drive together, use this time to talk about their upcoming day. Do they have a test or a big project ahead of them? Is there something that is worrying them? Are there any specific friends/classmates/teachers that need some prayer? Be intentional with your time together and pray as you walk or drive. Let your child see you praying for them, but also encourage them to pray as well. Also, make sure to circle back around at the end of the day and check in with them on these concerns and prayers.

Praying for and with your children every day is an essential part of launching them into their school year with intentionality. Check back on Wednesday as we share a few ways on how to remind your kids who they are in Christ and what their purpose is!