31 Powerful Prayers for Your Child This School Year: Free Printable for Christian Parents

As another school year begins, there’s a familiar mix of excitement, routine, and worry—for both our kids and us as parents.

Years ago, I worked as a school nurse, and I saw firsthand how much teachers care. They’re doing their best, day in and day out. But even in a good school, I noticed something: my kids could still have a really hard day. There were things happening in the classroom or hallway that I couldn’t see or control. Some teachers didn’t share the same Christian values we hold at home.

And that’s when I realized—I couldn’t just hope my kids would be okay.
I had to start praying intentionally.

I wanted my kids to feel covered—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically. I wanted God to go before them, to walk with them, to protect and shape them in ways I never could.

That desire led me to create a list of 31 specific prayer prompts. And now, I’m sharing it with you.

Free Printable: 31 Prayers for School-Aged Children

This list includes 31 back-to-school prayers you can pray over your child—one for each day of the month or however the Lord leads you. You can print it, fold it into your Bible, pin it to your fridge, or keep it on your desk at work.

It’s for public school families, private school parents, and even homeschool moms and dads—anyone who wants to be intentional about covering their kids in prayer during the school year.

Download your own copy below.

Here’s What You’ll Pray Over:

• That God would choose their teachers and friends
• Protection from physical harm and spiritual attack
• That they would be a light in their school
• Help with homework, attitude, and anxiety
• That they’d grow in wisdom, grace, and faith in Jesus

And 26 more that touch every part of school life.

Why I Created This

My kids go to public school, and I’ve wrestled with what that means for their hearts and their faith. I’ve prayed so often: “God, protect them. Use them. Let them know You more—even here.”
This printable was my way of giving structure to those prayers, and now I want to share it with you.

Because I believe God hears us when we pray.
And I believe our kids need that covering more than ever.

What the Bible Says About Praying for Our Kids

Here are a few verses that have encouraged me as a praying parent:

• Philippians 4:6-7 — “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…”
• James 5:16 — “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
• Deuteronomy 6:6-7 — “These commandments… are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children…”
• Isaiah 54:13 — “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”
• Proverbs 22:6 — “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

You don’t have to have the perfect words—just a heart that brings your child before the Lord.

When God Answered Prayer #21

One of the prayers on this list—#21: “That they would bring friends into our home, and that they may come to know God or draw closer to Him”—is especially close to my heart.

Not long ago, one of my daughters consistently invited a friend to come with us to church on Wednesdays and Sundays. That friend eventually came to know Jesus and was baptized last year!

I don’t have the biggest or most exciting house, but my prayer is that it would always be a place where my kids’ friends feel welcome, see the love of Jesus, and know they’re invited—to church, to dinner, to ride with us whenever they need.

That’s the kind of home I want to have. And it started with prayer.

Ideas for Using the Printable

• Pray one prompt each morning before school
• Use it as a family devotion or dinner table discussion
• Pray in your carpool line or while packing lunches
• Share with your Bible study, MOPS group, or church moms’ group

Make It Personal

There’s space to add your child’s name or specific need next to each prayer. This isn’t just a list—it’s a tool to help you stay connected to your child and to God as the school year unfolds.

Keep Praying

Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or the final year of high school—prayer matters. Our kids are walking into places we can’t always go, but we can send prayer ahead of them.

Let’s start this school year in prayer.
Download the free prayer guide and join me.

Cheering you on!

Love,
Julie G.