Sooner or later in public school, a Christian kid will probably be made fun of for their belief in Jesus.
Hopefully it won’t happen on a regular basis. But even if it does, let’s pray that our kids are confident enough in their faith that they are not ashamed of the gospel. Pray they recognize that everyone, including those who make fun of them, needs the salvation the gospel offers.
7. That they would have wisdom in choosing friends
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV)
Choosing friends is important. It’s a talk I’ve given to my kids over and over.
You see, in college, I thought I was a strong enough Christian to hang out with whomever I pleased. I chose some non-Christian partying friends. I didn’t change them. They changed me.
Let’s pray that our kids choose well when they choose their closest friends. That they choose friends who will encourage them to strengthen their relationship with Jesus.
8. That they recognize and take opportunities to share the gospel
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
Even our children are presented with opportunities to share the gospel. Pray that they recognize the opportunities to share Jesus with their friends — that they would be open to inviting others to church or youth group or AWANA.
9. That they would be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20(ESV)
There are a lot of opportunities to get angry at school. An unfair grade, a cold shoulder from a friend, or even a misunderstood assignment all have the potential to stir up anger in our children.
Let’s pray when they are tempted to lash out in anger that they would remember to listen first and not sin in their anger.
10. That they end the school year more spiritually mature than they began
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)
Each school year we expect that our children will have more knowledge at the end of the year than they had at the beginning. It’s why we send them to school.
But do we expect that they will grow spiritually every year?
More than anything else, let’s pray that our kids take their faith in Christ seriously. That they are motivated to read their Bibles and pray. And that they would end the school year more spiritually mature than they began.
That, to me, would be a successful school year.
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A version of this post about back to school prayers originally appeared at arabahjoy.com, published with permission.
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