It happens every year; the new school schedules and routines, while exciting, threaten to overwhelm my peace and disrupt my prayer time. I’ve found it helps to turn to Scripture, allowing the Word of God to ground me and guide me as a mother and as a teacher. Our God, Who is all love and wisdom, never fails to have the perfect words of encouragement and guidance for me.
Each new school year, I try to renew the habit of planning prayer into my week, and then to choose one verse to guide me for the academic year. I also look for verses for specific needs, such as wisdom or strength.
Whether you are a student, mother of students, or a teacher, I hope you’ll find at least one verse from this collection to pray with all school year. For your inspiration, I’ve also included prayers with select verses.
Verses for Guidance
The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places. // Isaiah 58:11
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. // Psalm 119:105
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. // Psalm 16:7
Let us pray //
Father, I ask for Your counsel and wisdom throughout this school year, so that all my actions are directed to Your glory. Grant me wisdom as I plan and prepare for the days, weeks, and months ahead. Thank You for Your gift of wisdom. Give me clear insight to see when I ought to adjust my plans to cooperate with the movement of the Holy Spirit in my life. Let peace fill my mind and heart when plans change. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. // Ephesians 5:10
Let us pray //
What do You desire for me, and from me, Lord? There are many good and worthy things for me to learn, teach, or do. I know I cannot possibly do it all. Show me what the best choices are for me, for this season and this academic year. I want to do what is pleasing to You, Lord, so that my learning, teaching, and activities may give You glory. Amen.
Verses for Strength
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. // 1 Chronicles 16:11
On the day I called, you answered me. You increased my strength of soul. // Psalm 138:3
Let us pray //
Today is that day, Lord. Today I ask for help with all that I do. Take my efforts, small as they are, and multiply them. Take my desire to learn and increase it. Give me strength for this day. When I feel weak and distracted, guide me. Take my hand and lead me to the next right thing. You are my hope, my strength, my guide. Build up your strength within me, Father. Amen.
Verses for Wisdom
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. // Proverbs 2:6
For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. // 1 Corinthians 1:25
Let us pray //
May I remember to seek Your wisdom above all human wisdom, Lord, and to test the words of men against Your Word. May the Holy Spirit keep me close to You, so that I may live in the light of Your wisdom. Amen.
Verses for Being a Light
This year, I encourage you to remember that life is now, and we don’t need to wait for “this thing to be done” before we start living fully in God’s will. He invites us to be witnesses in the most ordinary circumstances.
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. // Matthew 5:16
Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. // 1 Timothy 4:12
Let us pray (for teachers or mothers) //
You call me to be and do my best, both with the words I speak and the work I do. Help me stay focused on my work, Father. If I am preparing to teach, grant me wisdom to share what the students/my children need to know. Guide me so that my actions are filled with love at all times. By my example, may I give glory to You, Lord. Amen.
Let us pray (for students) //
You call me to be and do my best, both with the words I speak and the work I do. Show me how to glorify You in my studies and activities. Give me courage to set an example to my peers and give glory to You, Lord. Amen.
Verses for Rest
Living from rest may seem like a pipe dream, but it is possible. Jesus Himself wants to be our source of rest and comfort. He wants to relieve our burdens and anxieties about the school year. My favorite place to rest and read Scripture is in Adoration.
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. // Matthew 11:28
Let us pray //
Jesus, may I follow Your holy example to rest. Help me reject the lie that I need to fill every moment with productivity. I need You to refresh my soul and strengthen me for the work You call me to. Amen.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Some days you may feel that you can’t find words of your own to pray. I find solace in the Scriptures in a particular way then, because God’s Word is living and active. He speaks to us even now, and knows our hearts before we know the words. Be encouraged; Jesus listens to your prayers with delight.
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