Reflections: Parents who pray

The past few weeks, I’ve seen plenty of reminders about back-to-school, especially since my husband is a teacher. I’ve particularly noticed numerous references to prayer. 

My church recently held a back-to-school prayer focus at a Sunday morning service. Students of all ages joined teachers and other school staff at the front of the church, while the congregation prayed for them to have a successful year, both academically and in terms of being a light for Christ in their school setting. 

Sending kids off to school can hit parents, particularly moms, a bit hard. Watching a kindergartener or first-grader grab that new backpack and get on the bus, or pulling through the carpool lane to drop them off at school, is a reminder of how time flies. Even homeschooling, as I did part of the time, brings a few teary-eyed moments, as unboxing the new grade level of curriculum reinforces the shortness of our window for maximum impact. 

Many faith-based organizations offer prayer support and fellowship, inviting parents to gather specifically to pray over their children. One area church launches “iPray” groups at the beginning of school each year, gathering for a kick-off prayer and fellowship meeting and then setting regular times for parents of younger kids, parents of teens and college students, a praying grandparents’ group, and more. 

For those whose schedules don’t permit participation in corporate prayer, there are online options and resources: One of those, the Christian Parenting newsletter from Denison Ministries offers a guided prayer journal each year, including encouragement for parents and heartfelt prayer over kids and the challenges they might face. The weekly journal entries are supported by a special weekly podcast edition to bring moms together in community. 

The Bible gives us a few glimpses into parents’ situations. How about Hannah—after praying for many years, she finally had a son, and then dedicated little Samuel to the Lord by placing him to serve under the priest at the temple when he was only seven years of age. Imagine the love that went into the new outfits she took him each year! Her sacrifice and prayer laid the foundation for his wise leadership of Israel. And I can’t even imagine what Moses’ mother must have thought, as she set that little boat into the river and determined to trust God! Timothy’s mother and grandmother invested in his young life, and then sent him out while still a young man to serve God alongside the Apostle Paul. 

While the Bible clearly sets forth responsibilities for parents, we don’t know God’s entire plan up front! What we can do, though, is to pray! My kids are young adults now, but I still pray daily, and have now added grandchildren to the list, with one in second grade this year. She’s homeschooled at this point, but involved in activities that remind her parents how fast she’s growing up, and I pray for them as they train her and her brothers in faith. 

Take advantage of resources and community, whether in person or online, or set aside your own special time, and let’s agree together in prayer for these precious young souls!