For many people, it’s back-to-school time, which means that it’s an exciting and anxious season for parents.

So, how can we direct our prayers for our students?

Well, here’s one idea from a prayer that is found in the Book of Common Prayer…

Watch over your child (name), O Lord, as his days increase; bless him and guide him, and keep him unspotted from the world. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he falls; and in his heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

While this prayer was originally written for a boy, it also applies to our daughters; so, as our sons and daughters go back to school, we can be praying that God would…

• Bless her/him and guide her/him
• Keep her/him unspotted from the world
• Strengthen her/him when she/he stands
• Comfort her/him when she/he is discouraged or sorrowful
• Raise her/him up if she/he falls
• In her/his heart may your (God’s) peace which passes understanding abide all the days of her/his life.

I have found that having specific things for which to pray focuses my prayer time and connects me to the intercessory nature of prayer in a more tangible way. I hope this helps you, as well.