Packaged Prayer Deal

       With school supplies soon in hand and sad or perhaps relieved early morning goodbyes, I have a package deal for you that come’s in the form of prayer.  

       Your prayers have the potential of shaping your children and grandchildren's future. 
       In the book of Nehemiah enemies of the Jewish people were attempting to stop the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.  Nehemiah tells his people in 4:14, "Be not afraid of them: remember the Lord,  great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses."  (AMP)  
      One way to fight for our families is through prayer; below you'll find some back to school ideas to use in praying for your children, let's get started:

Regarding School: (Pray)

• That they would follow Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego's example when they refused to bow to political pressure.  They replied to the king, “We have no need to answer you in this matter.  If that is the case our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace and He will deliver us from your hand," Daniel 3:16.  Pray that your children would have that type of tenacity. 
• That they would grow in stature and favor with the Lord as Samuel did.   Even though he was raised with Eli's wicked sons he refused to be influenced by them, (I Samuel 2:26.) E.g. Father, "May our children follow Samuel's example and not be influenced negatively by their peers!"
• That the Lord would protect their emotions, and that they would not be damaged.
• That they would develop friendships with those who will would influence them in a positive manner and visa versa.
• For wisdom in their extra-curricular activities.
• That they would allow the Lord to guide their decisions (even if they aren't walking with the Lord).
• Pray for protection as they go to and from school, for safety and wisdom when they leave the school grounds at lunch, and when on field trips. 
• That they would realize that when they say "yes" to questionable practices they are giving the enemy authority in their lives.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to be sensitive as to what times of the day they need specific prayer and for what.  

Regarding Mental Development and Work Habits:

• Pray that they'd have the type of teachers who would enhance and embrace their learning style.
  
• That they would develop a good work ethic and study habits. 
• If there is a lack of motivation, ask the Lord to motivate them, praying against laziness and lethargy.
• Bring any learning disabilities before the Lord and pray for insight into their areas of brilliance, which no doubt they have! 

General: 

• That they would have wisdom when viewing the Internet, movies, video games etc and have the inner strength to turn off unacceptable material.
• That they would not become victims of crime or participants in crime.
• Pray for spiritual protection and safety when they participate in sleepovers and that you will have wisdom when and when not to allow it.
• That they would have wisdom as they drive in winter weather.
• That they would be protected against freak accidents whether automotive or other.
• As they baby-sit that they would have wisdom and be protected as they are out of your home.
• That they would say no to alcohol and drugs. (I’m not being legalistic here, it’s against the law.) It's never to early to pray these types of prayers.
• That their desire for the kingdom of God would be stronger than their desire what is popular in society and they'd recognize the enemy's scheme in their lives. 

       The best way to use this guide is to pray a few of these daily as no doubt it would be overwhelming to pray the entire guide in one sitting.
       My prayer for you is that as you pray for your families the Holy Spirit would give you creativity to pray into their needs.  
       What a great time in history to prepare your families spiritually through prayer!