Last year, as I walked my children to the front door of their new school, my heart grew heavier with each step.  For the past few years, the three of us had spent everyday together laughing and learning and making memories in our little homeschool classroom, but that chapter of our lives was closing.  I loved homeschooling—so much— but I knew this new school would provide opportunities that my sons desperately wanted and needed.  While my heart broke, their hearts pitter-pattered with excitement and anticipation at the possibilities that awaited them on the other side of the door.  Oh, but I will miss them!

I took a deep breath and let go of the two small hands in each of mine.  I’m not ready.  I swallowed the lump in my throat and tried to smile.  “Have a good day!” I said with forced cheerfulness.  Lord, please let them have a good day.  They called out hurried goodbyes, waved, and rushed forward into the crowd of students and teachers.  And then, they were out of my sight.  Out of my care.  Out of my control.  

My stomach lurched and my mind began to race. Have I made the right decision?  I wasn’t sure anymore.  I was not only placing their education in someone else’s hands but I was leaving their well-being in someone else’s hands.  My youngest son had recently been hospitalized from a severe food allergy.  Would he be safe?  My oldest son had been seeing a counselor for anxiety and often felt overwhelmed.  Would he be okay?

Letting go of control that morning was difficult.  Letting go this year will be hard, too.  We live in a broken world where bad things happen, and when we watch the news and hear of the evils and tragedies happening around us, it feels scary to let go of those little hands.  But as we let go, we must remember that those little hands are in God’s hands, and even though the world is a broken, sinful mess, God is still on the throne.  He has power over the enemy, He gives peace to the worrying mama, and He hears our desperate prayers. 

So as you let go of little hands (or not-so-little-anymore hands) this month and send them off to a new school year and new chapter, whether it be kindergarten or college, here are 5 prayers to pray:

1.     Pray for their body 

Heavenly Father,

Please put a hedge of protection around my children this school year.  Please guard them from physical harm and protect them as they participate in activities and sports.  Please keep their bodies healthy so that they increase in strength and stature.  

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

2.     Pray for their mind

Heavenly Father,

Please quell any fears and nervousness my children may be feeling as they begin a new school year.  As the pressures of the school year mount, please guard their minds from anxiety and depression.  In troubling times, remind them that You are their refuge, and when they are overwhelmed, pour out your peace that surpasses all understanding.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

3.     Pray for their heart

Heavenly Father,  

I pray that my children are rooted in Your firm foundation and that they grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Let Your Holy Spirit nurture and guide them so that, with each passing day, they become more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled.  

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

4.     Pray for their intellect 

Heavenly Father,

I pray that my children have a positive academic experience this year.  Please give them mental clarity and bless their efforts as they study and learn.  Let them not be discouraged when the work is difficult but, instead, carry on with optimism and hope.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

5.     Pray for their environment 

Heavenly Father,

Please help me to maintain a home where my children are shown how to love, worship, and serve You.  Protect them from negative influences and surround them with godly teachers, mentors, family, and friends who will speak into their lives, plant seeds of faith, and model holiness.  

In Jesus’ name, Amen.