Lord,

As my children fill backpacks, lockers, and lunch boxes, their minds are filled with worries too. Will I make new friends? What if I embarrass myself in class? Will my teachers like me? How much homework will I deal with? Will I get good grades? Am I brave enough? Smart enough? Good enough?  My kids carry stress as they face the unknowns of a new school year.

Overcome my children’s fears with your love. Help them to hold on to your promises:

You’re with them wherever they go. (Joshua 1:9)
You’re kind and forgiving of their mistakes. (Psalm 86:5)
You protect them from gossip and bullying (Psalm 27:1-3, 12-13)
You hear their prayers and provide for their needs. (Philippians 4:6-7, 19)
You give wisdom when they don’t know what to do. (James 1:5)
You stay close and faithful when they’re lonely or rejected. (Romans 8:31-38)
You give courage and strength to do hard things. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Thank you for the peace our family finds in you. I praise you for loving my kids as a perfect Father. Pour out your blessing on my children as they begin this new season. Give the support of loyal friends and caring teachers. Open their minds to learn and understand. Fill them with courage to follow Jesus. Teach them to rely on you for all their needs at school. Conquer every threat to their safety and confidence. Capture their hearts with your love.

Amen.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
(Psalm 91:1-4, 14-15)