08/24/2026
This Sunday at HCOB, we prayed over our children and youth as they prepare for a new school year!
Prior to our Back to School Blessing, we polled our congregation for their prayer requests for our children and youth. We then prayed the following prayer as a blessing in this season of change and excitement:
"Almighty God,
Thank you for each of the children and youth before us. We thank you for the memories they have made this summer. We thank you for the changing of seasons, as we know a new season can bring the promise of new opportunities, and also many things to pray and praise over. We pray for strength, Lord: strength that these children have the endurance and patience required of them this school year. We pray for growth: growth for our children in wisdom and stature. We pray for Your presence, Lord: that You keep our children safe, happy, and full of heart for learning; that You help easy anxiety, overstimulation, and worry; that You go before them in every home, building, hallway, and classroom. We know we can trust in You, Lord, with our whole hearts instead of leaning on our own understanding. We pray that our children and youth can recognize Your voice, shine Your light, and remember their identity in You. We pray for the friends of our children, and those they will befriend this year: may these young people care for our children with kindness and love them with the love of Jesus. May they all support each other during struggles and rejoice together in successes. We pray, Lord, that You help our children to see what is really on the inside, just as You have examined our hearts and know everything about us. May everyone be accepted as they are, just as You intended.
We lift up our families, parents, and guardians as well. May they feel comforted by You as they send their children out the door. May they feel Your grace during the rushed mornings and changed routines. We lift up our teachers, councilors, administrators, and school staff: may they be filled with peace, strength, and compassion to care for and teach the exact children that enter their school buildings. Lord, we know You have a plan for each child, parent, and teacher this year. Please help us to walk with our best foot forward, learn new things about ourselves and those around us, and strengthen our faith in You."
It is our prayer that everyone has a smooth transition into the new school year, and that it is one full of smiles, friendship, and lots of learning!
