08/12/2026
A First Day of School Prayer from Pastor Gary
FIRSTkids Parents,
This morning, I’m praying for you.
Because I know the first day of school isn’t just a big day for our kids. It’s a big day for moms and dads too. So as we pack lunches, take the pictures, give one more hug, and watch them walk through those school doors, this is my prayer for you and your family:
Father,
Thank You for every kid and every family who reads this and the many that don’t!
Today, as our kids begin a new school year, remind us parents that when the kids go somewhere we cannot follow, You go with them. You are already in every classroom, every hallway, every lunchroom, every playground, and every practice.
Lord, let our kids walk into their schools knowing they are seen, known, and deeply loved by You. Give them courage to Be the Light.
Help them notice the kid who needs a friend.
Choose kindness when it isn’t easy.
Stand for truth when others don’t.
Work hard with the gifts You’ve given them.
And never be ashamed to let others see Jesus through the way they live and love.
And Father, I especially pray for us parents.
Give us wisdom to recognize the moments that matter this year.
Help us remember that some of the greatest discipleship won’t happen in a church building. It will happen on the ride home from school, sitting around the dinner table, doing homework, driving to practice, and praying beside a bed at the end of a long day. Remind us that we don’t have to get every moment right—we just need to keep pointing them to Jesus.
When the days are great, help us celebrate with them. When the days are hard, help us be a safe place for them to land. And when we don’t know what to say or what to do, remind us to pray and trust the One who loves our kids even more than we do.
Lord, protect our kids. Guard their hearts and minds. Surround them with teachers, coaches, friends, and leaders who will encourage them and challenge them to become who You created them to be.
Let them Learn God’s Word.
Be Kind.
Love Their Family.
Be the Light.
And Tell Others About Jesus.
And when we watch that backpack disappear through the school doors today, remind us of this:
They may walk out of our sight, but they never walk out of Yours.
Father, thank You for another year and another opportunity to invest in the next generation.
May our homes be filled with grace.
May our kids grow in wisdom and faith.
And may Jesus be at the center of it all.
We GET to do this.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Parents, Angie and I are praying alongside you today, and the entire FIRSTkids team is cheering your family on. It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to get to partner with you as we invite our kids to pursue Jesus with passion.
Have an incredible first day, FIRSTkids!
— Pastor Gary
FIRSTkids
