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As the children/students in our lives head back to school, embark into homeschooling, or even head off to college and training programs, it would make sense to be praying for them. Students are influenced by other adults, staff, their friends, and classmates for the bulk of their life between September and June.

Here are ten verses and precepts to pray over your kids. This list of verses does not include every pertinent verse in the bible for the purposes of praying for our kids as they go back to school. It is a sampling intended to spark purposeful, prayerful, and persistent prayer.

Joshua 1:9 Praise God for always being with them. There is nothing lonelier than to be surrounded by people and still feel alone. The reassurance of God’s promise to never leave us is what compelled me to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior when I was 12 years old.

Ephesians 4:32 Asking God to help them be kind. The phrase “Kids can be cruel” is not new. Consider not only telling your kids to be nice but modeling that behavior for them to look to as an example.

Psalm 56:3 Ask God to help them put their trust in Him. Getting caught up in the “I can do it” ideology can be a stumbling block for many people. When we realize we cannot do anything worth doing without Him, we find ourselves in a place of submission and teachability.

Proverbs 10:9 Ask God to help them walk in integrity this year. What you do when no one is looking is the true test of a person’s character.

Philippians 4:6-7 Ask God to help them not worry. Kids are dealing with worries on a different level than ever. Talking things through and addressing their concerns is a great plan. God is able to help them in ways we cannot even begin to understand. It is hard for parents to accept the fact that God loves their children even more than they do.

Proverbs 17:17 Pray for their friends. While children are hugely empathetic towards their friends, we as their families should be praying for their friends. Pray for the type of friends you want for your kids. Pray that God would use them to minister to their friend group with boldness.

James 1:5 Ask God to give them wisdom. Academics are all fine and good, but wisdom will be the key to avoiding many hardships.

Philippians 4:12 Pray for their contentment in all circumstances. Our kids have learned through television, the internet and even from our example that it isn’t acceptable to not have something to complain about. Pray that they would see the beauty in the contentment that comes from knowing a risen Savior.

Colossians 3:23 Ask God to help them work hard. Teach our children that worship isn’t just singing in church. Worship can be found in our work. Work as if working for God’s purposes. Put your all into the things you do and give God the glory.

Luke 2:52 Ask God to help them grow this year. Kids are going to grow. If kids are given nutrition, exercise and love they will thrive. If they grow spiritually, they will thrive eternally. Pray for your kids relationship with Christ.