By Shewanda Riley

Each year around this time, I share a Back-to-School prayer. I think it is important to
offer encouragement as students, staff and educators prepare to return to school. There are
so many things that stir up confusion and can distract from the excitement of the beginning of a
new school year. My hope is that this prayer provides inspiration. This year, I’m adding a few
scriptures that I hope will encourage.

“Heavenly Father, we come to you thanking you for your many blessings. You are so
worthy of honor, praise, and glory. First, God we know that nothing surprises you. During this
time of uncertainty, remind us of Isaiah 46:10 which says that you know the end from the
beginning. We rest on the assurance that you know what is best in all circumstances. All you
ask is that we trust you.

1 Corinthians 14:33 reminds us that you are not the author of confusion but that you are
the God of peace. We pray that the truth of this scripture will influence the decisions of the
administrators and government officials regarding the safety of students, staff, and faculty at
all levels of education from daycare, pre-K, K-12, and higher education. Let Godly wisdom and
truth prevail. We come to you now praying for our children and students who will be attending
school face to face and virtually this academic year. Let there be peace in the hearts of
students, faculty, administrators, and staff in classrooms, administrative offices, and school
buildings. We ask for an extra measure of your grace, mercy, and protection.

We also ask God that despite what goes on around them you would grant students a
supernatural ability to focus on the academic subjects they have to learn. Give instructors
innovative ideas and methods to creatively motivate students to learn even the most difficult topics. We pray that the learning environment is a place of safety, connection, and inspiration.
We declare that frustration and discouragement will not distract students and educators from
their purpose. We bind up anything that comes to disrupt the educational environment.
Classrooms will be secure places of love and protection regardless of what may be taking place
in the world outside.

We pray that you would give parents and guardians of students confidence that their
students will remain safe. For any anxieties that may arise, remind them to cast their cares on
you as it says in I Peter 5:7. Allow them to rest in the confidence that your Godly presence will
be there to cover and protect their children whether they are in the classroom, participating in
extracurricular activities, in the cafeteria or on the playground.

God, you are sovereign, and we thank you for the promise in 3 John 1:2 says that you
would have us to be in good health. Let this school year be one where good health, joy and
hope prevail!

In Jesus’ name we pray…Amen! May you have a blessed and amazing school year!
Additional Scriptures for Study: Philippians 4:6, Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 16:3, Joshua 1:9,
Colossians 3:23, Colossians 3:17, and Philippians 4:13

Shewanda Riley is a Fort Worth-based author of “Love Hangover: Moving From Pain to Purpose
After a Relationship Ends” and “Writing to the Beat of God’s Heart: A Book of Prayers for
Writers.” Email her at preservedbypurpose@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @shewanda.