Here in Alabama, school is already back in session, and every day, my social media feeds are filled with proud parents posting first-day-of-school pics of their babies, some of whom have literally grown up before my eyes, even though I’ve never met them in person. I thought now was a good time to say a prayer for not only our students, but for all those who interact with them. Please join me in saying a prayer for the new school year.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank you for this day. We thank you for your many blessings. We thank you for another opportunity to come before your throne of grace. Lord, we come asking your blessings upon this new school year. The pandemic is now a distant memory, and we thank you for continuing to keep students safe. We pray that they return to school with a great attitude and an eagerness to learn and with everything they need to be successful this school year. We come asking right now that you place a hedge of protection around our students, faculty and staff, and all who interact with our children.

We pray you will not let fear rule us and give our kids a desire to learn and our educators a desire to teach. Free our schools of violence, bullying and anything that hinders schools from being an environment that is conducive to learning.

Lord, we know school only takes up part of the day. We pray your blessings for students and administrators outside of the school walls as well. Please bless their homes, their families, and their activities.

Lord, we come thanking you in advance that this will be the best school year yet. It’s in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.