5 Prayers for the End of the School Year
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“Mom, how many days left of school?”
Since returning from Spring Break, my three daughters have posed this question on our daily ride to school: My eldest wants to know how many more days she has to giggle with her friends at the lunch table. My middle is counting how many more days she has to wake up early and do homework. My youngest can’t quite figure out if she is sad school is ending or happy to be at home this summer. I understand; I feel both.
As the school year comes to an end, emotions run deep. For some students, the break ignites dread; for others, a few months off brings delight. As we wind up another year of making new friends, learning new things, and creating memories, let’s pray over the children, the administration, and our community.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Valerii Apetroaiei
1. A Prayer for Protection
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV.
Heavenly Father, we know that school is a place of refuge for many of these children. The school offers a warm meal, a kind smile, shelter, and, in some cases, temporary protection from physical and emotional abuse. For those children, Lord, we know that you are not blind to their circumstances, and there are these needs in our community that You nudge our hearts to offer help. There are numerous demands, and we can’t physically meet them all, but we know that You are in control, and You see these children. If there are opportunities to provide comfort for these children, please prick our hearts to take action. Often, it can be overwhelming because the needs are never-ending, but give us peace as we partner with you in prayer over their lives. Gracious God, for those children blessed to pass the days with loving families, we ask that you keep them safe as they run and play, go on trips, and enjoy a break from their studies. We love you, Lord; thank you for the gift of children, the gift of learning, and the gift of seeing You in these students. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
2. A Prayer for Administration
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8 NIV
Lord, while many of us can take a break from school enjoying a few months of much-needed rest, those in administration are not afforded that luxury. We lift the principals, the district administration, and the state- and national-level offices for you. Lord, for those who profess the name of Jesus, we give praise! And we ask that You continue to guide and direct their paths, that they bow before You before making decisions, enlisting help from godly influences. For those who acknowledge You as Lord of their Life, we first pray that the eyes of their heart will be opened to receive You as Savior. Secondly, we pray as they make decisions that will impact the students and teachers in the upcoming years. We also bring before you those who continue to keep our schools clean and maintained during the summer. May they know just how much we love and value them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
3. A Prayer for Rest
“The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”” Exodus 33:14 NIV
Heavenly Father, You know how worn out these teachers and students are as the calendar flips to the summer months. We pray for ample opportunities to rest our physical bodies, giving special attention to snatching extra zzz, snuggles, and lazy mornings. Lord, we know that not all are allowed a slower pace when school is out, so we lift those families to You. Even as their schedules remain the same, absent from the school grind, we pray they can take a vacation, be at home for a few days, or perhaps take a getaway. Lord, instead of filling our calendars (with good things in their own right), help us to embrace a slower pace this summer. Let us take in the beauty of Your creation and give thanks for the ways You’ve been faithful to us this year! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
4. A Prayer for Fellowship
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
Lord, we are grateful that summer provides ample opportunities to vacation, see your beautiful creation near and far, and make lasting memories with our loved ones. But we must guard our hearts, prioritizing church and gathering with friends, family, and community members. Let us use these extra hours to provide opportunities for people to have fellowship and strengthen relationships. Lord, perhaps you are calling someone to start a summer Bible study, host a backyard BBQ, volunteer for Vacation Bible School, or simply grab a coffee and catch up with friends. Whatever the opportunity is to share You, let us take it! We love you, Lord. May we live each day surrendered to what You desire for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
5. A Prayer for Renewed and Strengthened Faith
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. “ Ephesians 6: 10-11
Heavenly Father, many of these teachers end the year discouraged; it can be easy to focus on all the bad in the world. Those in the school system are the front line to the effects of sin on innocent children. We ask that you give them strength as they fight spiritual attacks on their knees. This summer, feed their weary souls, renew their strength, and help them as they polish and get their spiritual armor ready for another year. They are doing ministry day in and day out, giving them peace that even though they can’t see the results, they are doing the Lord’s work in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Ridofranz
