School Prayer

In the days that follow a school shooting, I struggle with worry as I send my children to school. The “what if’s” and fearful thoughts can sometimes be overwhelming. As both a mother and a Christian, my heart is consistently moved to pray for my children. I believe prayer brings us to a place of peace and is a powerful weapon against the schemes of the enemy. 

I felt led to pray this morning for our nation’s children and also to share my prayer with those who may relate to me. I know there are times when I want to pray, but I don’t have the words. During those times, I have leaned on prayer guides such as the one below to help me. I invite you to use some or all of this guide to pray for your children and for the children in our nation.

“God, my heart is heavy for the safety of our nation's children. I bring my children and all of the children in our nation before you. I ask that you would surround them with your protection and give your angels charge over every school, daycare, and extracurricular activity. I acknowledge that our battle is not against people, but against spiritual wickedness. Where the enemy would try to bring harm against our children I ask you to deliver them from evil and cause confusion in the enemy’s camp. I entrust our children into your perfect love and care.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands, they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91.22-12

“As soon as they began singing, the Lord confused the enemy camp” 2 Chronicles 20:22

Let your perfect peace guard the hearts and minds of every parent, child, teacher, and faculty member. I command fear-inducing anxiety to cease and I ask that your holy presence would fill our schools with peace and joy. Bring your true felt sense of safety and protection to each child, parent, teacher, and faculty member. Impart your perfect love that removes all fear into every heart and mind. Strengthen and hold them all in your righteous right hand.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.”

1 John 4:18

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

God, for those who have experienced a school shooting or lost a loved one, I ask you to reach into the trauma and remove the pain and fear. Jesus, heal the whole person; body, soul, and spirit. Give them rest and hope for their future. Holy Spirit, comfort them and wrap them in your peaceful presence. 

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

“God’s glory is all around me! His wraparound presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength.” Psalm 62:7

God, give our local government officials wisdom and insight on how to protect our schools. Give them revelatory strategies to create safe schools. Bless every decision-maker and reveal your heart to them.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 1:2-4

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

Thank you, God, for your love and protection. I give all fear and anxiety to you. In exchange, I receive your peace that surpasses all understanding to guard my heart and my mind. I honor you and glorify your great name! In Jesus' name, amen.”

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

Praying with you,

Jess