How to Pray for Grandchildren going Back to School

 The school bells ring every fall for many of our grandchildren. One of my granddaughters started mid-August while the others start after Labor Day. The beginning of the school year can be a stressful experience for grandchildren with new teachers, new classmates, especially if they are going to a new school setting. They may have to adjust to new teachers, coaches, bus drivers, car pools, and other new situations.

Our grandchildren are growing up and being educated in a time of global uncertainty, with peer pressures and temptations that we never experienced in our youth. We, as grandparents can help provide a hedge of protection for them, so they may be able to resist the temptations and deceptions they encounter, and experience, peace, joy, and success, as they navigate their world hostile to the truth.

Pray for Protection

Satan is trying to steal our children away from walking with God. Jesus says, “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” (John 10:10 NLT) However, grandparents have the opportunity to pray for their protection from Satan and his demons, covering them with the armour of God and for them to experience the fullness of the Lord in their lives.

When we long for those hugs and kisses, and when we think of how much we miss our grandchildren, it is a good time to say a prayer for their physical, emotional and spiritual protection.

Send a Back to School Note

For the last few of years, I have sent my grandchildren in school a Back to school note telling them that we will be praying for them as they start a new school year. They may be facing frightening or uncomfortable situations, as they attend new schools, have new teachers, and make new friends. A note of encouragement from their grandparents may give them the confidence they need as they go back to school.

Grandma Sets her Alarm

I heard of a grandmother in Texas who sets the alarm on her cell phone each day at the time each of her grandchildren are going to school to remind her to pray for them.

Pray for the Adult Influences on your Grandchildren

Have you thought about praying for the many adults who influence your grandchildren? Are the adults involved in your grandchildren’s lives good role models?

Adults who have influence on your grandchildren may be their other grandparents, teachers, principal, coaches, carpool or bus driver, Sunday school teacher, children’s director, pastor, youth leaders, neighbors, scout leaders, extra-curricular activity teachers, doctors, etc. Many other adult influences indirectly affect our grandchildren, such as their elected and appointed officials, (local, state and federal), TV programs, electronic games, musicians, textbook authors, media, fashion designers, etc.

Ask your grandchild for their teacher’s name, if possible, meet their teacher and others involved in their lives so you know for whom you are praying. It makes praying more personable if you have an opportunity to tell them you are praying for them.

Free Back to School E-book offer

In case you missed this offer a couple of weeks ago I am offering it again. I would love to send you a free Back to School E-book to help you intentionally pray for your grandchildren as they go back to school. Sign up (on the right side of page) for my blog updates and never miss a post on my website. Then I will send you a free download of “Suggestions to Pray for Grandchildren in School” (preschool thru college) and the “31 Scriptures to Pray for Children” as a bonus along with the E-book.

If you are already a subscriber, just send me an email requesting the Back to School E-book wit the bonus. Love a comment on my website or send me an email to:  lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

Prayer for your grandchildren

Dear Lord, I pray my grandchildren will:

Desire to do their very best. Respect their teachers.

Choose friends, who will have a positive influence.

Recognize the deception of worldly thinking.

Eyes blinded to the temptations they face.

Have a balanced view of their beauty, charm, and strength.

Learn to be responsible for their actions and behavior.

 I pray the adult influences of my grandchild

will always speak the truth, model lives of integrity to the children.

Transport the children safely and looking out for the child’s best interest.

I pray they will make the children feel safe,

protecting them from verbal, emotional and physical abuse.

I pray they will be an encourager to the children.

Live blameless lives and do what is right.

Speak the truth with a sincere heart.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

By Lillian Penner, National Prayer Coordinator, Christian Grandparenting Network, lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net