08/10/2026
Today let's pray together for the start of the school year.
Over the next few weeks, tens of millions of kids around the world will walk back into a classroom—marking a major change in season for them, parents, teachers, and staff.
Today's Scripture passage is Psalm 121.
“I lift my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
your Protector will not slumber.
Indeed, the Protector of Israel
does not slumber or sleep…
The Lord will protect your coming and going
both now and forever.”
Psalm 121:1–8 (CSB)
We picked this passage because Psalm 121 is a traveler's psalm. It was sung by people on the road—headed somewhere, out from under their own roof, looking up at hills that could hide either a shortcut or a threat.
And the psalm's answer isn't that the road is always safe. It's that the One watching doesn't sleep. He's on duty in the hallway, the cafeteria, the bus, the group chat, and will protect us always.
PRAYER
Let's pray.
God our Teacher,
You formed the mind
and the world on which our minds are trained;
you are the perfection of truth and beauty.
As we are packing up and mapping out a year-long journey,
we look to You to chart our course
toward growth and flourishing.
Lord who led Your people through parted seas and desert wilderness,
be with us now as we walk
into unknown delights and dangers.
God Our Maker and Protector,
our help comes from you.
Quiet our students’ first-day fears
and amplify their excitement
for discovery and friendship.
Grow their resilience to face new challenges
and strengthen them to make wise choices on the daily.
Surround these kids with friends who encourage their growth
and super-size their joy.
Cultivate in these learners an insatiable curiosity
and a love for the truth
that pushes them into the arms of their Good Designer.
Strengthen teachers and staff for the coming year;
over-supply patience in moments of exasperation,
comfort for seasons of sadness,
energy during long, tiring days,
creativity amid limited resources,
encouragement to endure under-appreciation,
and joy in triumphs of connection and growth.
Sow in them wisdom and gentleness
that causes love and respect to flourish
in their classrooms.
Fill believers to overflowing with Your Spirit,
that the aroma of Christ might spread throughout their schools;
May their dignity, gentleness, and love
draw their neighbors in,
and may doors be open for sharing good news.
God Our Maker and Protector,
our help comes from you.
Steady parents who are anxious
about releasing children
and releasing control.
Grow our trust and our joy in Your Son, our Emmanuel;
there is no corner of the school
where You will not be with them
when we cannot be.
Grow our anticipation for how You will be at work
in our children;
You have held them through every season,
and You will certainly not abandon them now.
God Our Maker and Protector,
our help comes from you.
Amen.
(From Jason & Steph Pray the News)
