For families with little ones (preschool age), this could be a 3-5 minute talk! It doesn’t have to be much. For older children, you can opt in for more of these options to extend your study time together. I recommend doing this with (especially little) children over a meal – whichever meal is the least chaotic in your home (for my family right now, that’s lunch), or saving the questions for while you’re on a walk or playing outside together. Have fun!
Read together: Joshua 1:9 CEB: I’ve commanded you to be brave and strong, haven’t I? Don’t be alarmed or terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Each family member take a turn sharing (one question at a time):
One thing that excites you about this school year.
One thing that worries you about this school year.
Three feelings you have felt today.
A time you can remember being nervous.
A time you felt God's love.
Pray together: Dear God, we are feeling (insert words/feelings you discussed above) about starting this school year together. Help fill us with excitement to learn and calm our worries. Please be with (insert teacher's name, school staff, principal's name, etc.) this school year, too. We ask for you to surround (insert school name, homeschool or family name) with your love and care as we start a new school year together in a brand new, unique way. New things can be exciting and scary and confusing, but we know you hold our hearts and all of us in Your Love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
~ Erynne DeVore, director of Children’s Ministry
Pastor Andy’s Back to School prayer:
