In the U.S., most students are getting ready to go back to school. The start of a new school year can be stressful for both kids and parents. Billions of dollars are spent on back to school supplies. But more than having pencils and notebooks is making sure kids are spiritually prepared for the challenges they will face at school.

One of the best ways to help them is through prayer. We should never underestimate the importance and power of speaking truth over our children’s lives. Pray God’s Word over (and with) your children today and every day.

Strength “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13

Courage “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9

Health “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” —3 John 1:2

Peace “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” —Philippians 4:6

Provision “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:19

Direction “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” —Proverbs 3:5–6

Protection “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” —Psalm 91:1–2

Favor “For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” —Psalm 5:12

Godly Relationships “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” —Proverbs 13:20

Joy “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” —Psalm 16:11

Compassion “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” —Ephesians 4:32

Justice “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” —Isaiah 1:17

Wisdom “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” —James 1:5

Hope “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” —Romans 15:13

Love “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” —1 Corinthians 13:4–8

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.