What is your prayer for your child or grandchild this school year?

Perhaps you’ll be praying for them to have a great school year; to excel academically and push through the pesky roadblocks that have held them back for too long; and (with God’s help) to make friends – good friends, who will enrich their lives.

With the increasingly alarming headlines, from the core of our being, we cry, “Lord, keep a hedge of protection over the children and school administrators!”

Thankfully, the Bible is filled with verses that are perfect for our children to memorize – and for us to pray over them. These verses become even more powerful when we personalize them for our specific concern.

Take Psalm 119:105 (ESV), for example:

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

This familiar verse helps us control our thoughts, make wise decisions and live honorably. Praying this same verse for our children and grandchildren gives us assurance as they face a new school year: Father, I pray that today, Your Word will be a lamp to [children’s names] feet and a light to their path. When they’re not sure what to do in any situation, let the verses they’ve memorized guide them.

If our children are struggling academically or socially, Philippians 4:13 (AMPC) would be an ideal verse to pray:

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

Our prayer might sound something like this, Heavenly Father, I ask that [children’s names] will know that they can do all things in You Who empowers them. Please assure them that they are ready for – and equal to – anything through You, Who infuses inner strength into them.

Psalm 91 is a wonderful passage for us (and our children) to read and meditate on when we feel concerned for their safety. It offers several prayer points, such as verse 11 (ESV):

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

We might pray, Lord God, Your Word says You will command Your angels to guard my children. Thank You, Father, for looking after them.

Personalizing Scripture transforms a Bible verse into a beautiful declaration between God and us. It helps us (and our children) to recognize more clearly who we are in Him: moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, students and a community that loves its children  …

… who are totally dependent on a faithful, powerful God.

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

• What Bible verses or passages will you be using to pray for your children or grandchildren this school year?

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