Preserved by Purpose: Back to School and Back to Prayer

Last week, I shared a Back-to-School declaration. This week, I share my Back to School Prayer.  

What’s the difference?  The declaration shares positive thoughts and affirmations.  On the other hand, the prayer is direct communication with God.  Each year around this time, I share a Back-to-School prayer.  There are so many things that stir up confusion distract us from the sheer excitement of the beginning of a new school year.  My hope is that this prayer provides inspiration and opens up a pathway to communicate with God. This year, I’m adding a few scriptures that I hope will encourage us all on our Back to School journey.   

“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 will 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 all have a blessed and amazing school year!

In the meantime, as we head back to our respective learning environments, check out these 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 Instagram @shewandawrites.