Praying the Word: When Your Kids Go Back to School
On the surface, prayer seems simple. It’s talking to God. But in practice, we may have a lot of questions. Am I doing this right? Is there a “right” way to do it? What am I supposed to say? Are there things I shouldn’t pray about? Or maybe we feel pretty comfortable with praying, but we struggle with getting bored or losing focus.
Whatever our struggles with prayer, Scripture can be helpful. As Donald Whitney explains, “Praying the Bible isn’t complicated. Read through a few verses of Scripture, pause at the end of each phrase or verse, and pray about what the words suggest to you.” (You can read more from Donald Whitney about how to pray Scripture, in this article.)
In the Praying the Word series, we’ll take the idea of praying Scripture and make it practical by sharing a passage of Scripture, an example prayer, and some guided questions to help you make it your own. The example prayer might serve as a model, or you can use it as a prayer for yourself. As you give this a try, don’t worry if it feels awkward or you’re not sure what to say. Remember, the power of prayer doesn’t come from the words we say, but from the One who hears them.
Example Scripture
Proverbs 18:1-15
[1] Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.
[2] A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
[3] When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace.
[4] The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
[5] It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.
[6] A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.
[7] A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
[8] The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
[9] Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
[10] The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
[11] A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
[12] Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
[13] If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
[14] A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
[15] An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Heavenly Father, you alone are the source of all wisdom and knowledge. Thank you that your understanding is infinite, and that you give us minds and hearts that can embrace the truth of your Word and engage with this world that you have made. Help me to model the joy of learning to my children by submitting gladly to the instruction of Scripture and having a worshipful curiosity of you and your creation.
Help my child embrace the opportunity to develop sound judgment this school year. Please let them humbly admit what they do not yet know and to have teachable hearts as they are under the authority of others. Please grant them the wisdom to not pridefully spout off their own opinions, but rather to listen before they speak.
Lord, forgive us for the times our speech has been marked by foolishness and led others into sin. As my child uses words this school year, let them be wise, well-timed, and peaceable, suitable for building others up. Thank you, Lord, for speaking ultimate life and truth to us through your words, in the Bible.
Father, I worry about my child’s relationships and the pressures they’ll encounter. When they interact with friends or siblings, may they not walk in the way of the wicked or mock and dishonor others, but rather be righteous influences. Help them to surround themselves with wise and godly counselors so that they will grow in wisdom and understanding.
Please help my child work with industry and excellence in their schoolwork, not slacking off or ignoring correction. Being a hard and diligent worker is a way to reflect your character. Help both my child and I to delight in imaging you this school year through faithful and uncomplaining labors.
When my child faces temptation, or even ridicule from fellow students for their beliefs, help them to run to the Lord, their strong tower of safety. Help us to call on your name when we lack knowledge to handle new situations. Thank you for hiding us away in your love and strengthening us when we feel weak.
We give you this new school year and pray that you would be at work in our hearts, growing us in obedience and bringing glory to God in all we do and say.
Make it Your Own
Praise God: What things in this Scripture passage give you reasons to praise God and thank him for who he is and what he’s doing? Give him both general and specific thanksgiving and come into his presence rejoicing.
Confess: What things do you need to tell God about how your heart or actions might veer (intentionally or unintentionally) toward self-reliance or even disobedience? Where have you trusted in your own wisdom or resisted his presence, commands, and care?
Share your Heart: What things do you need to tell the Lord from a place of concern and humility? What questions linger, what worries do you harbor, and what do you need to hand over to him?
Ask: Where do you need wisdom? What help and grace do you need? Let the Lord know where you are weak and what specific things you need, letting him have the final and perfect say in how those needs are met and prayers are answered.
