First, the fact that you’ve come to this page likely means you’re ready to lay the fate of a new school year at God’s feet, and I commend you for that. The beginning of a school year is usually either a time of anxious anticipation or, for some, sinking dread. But you have access to a powerful source of peace and help that most of us tap into far too little. God never said you had to do life on your own. All you have to do is ask.
Maybe you’re wondering, What should I ask God for? What is his will for me? Or perhaps your thoughts are more like, How am I going to make it through another year of this?
In either case, I’ve got a student’s prayer that is effective, invigorating, and comes straight from the Bible, a gold mine of resources when you’re not sure what to pray for. You’ll find this back-to-school prayer in Psalm 86.
Hey, I’m Lauren, author of YA Christian fiction and blogger for teens with higher aim.
In This Article
A Student’s Prayer For a New School Year
Written by David, Psalm 86 as a whole is a prayer for God’s help during enemy attack. If you’re attending a school where guys with tanks and heavy artillery frequently make an appearance, by all means, pray the whole thing. But for most students, two verses sufficiently make a succinct yet bold prayer for a new school year:
Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
Psalm 86:11-12
Speak this in prayer, and you’ve asked for everything you need—some amazing things indeed. Let this be your mantra for the whole school year. But keep reading for a breakdown of this powerful prayer.
“Teach Me Your Way, Lord . . .”
You go to school to learn, obviously, but chemistry, geography, algebra, and creative writing aren’t the only subjects you need to be educated in. And they’re not the most important. Many people who become fluent in all manner of science, math, and the arts never learn God’s way.
Ask that God would show you his ways. Are you aware of how much he loves you? Do you know how he disciplines his people, and why? What is his character? Ask him to show you these things, that you will know him better. The better you know him, the more you will realize he is worthy of your trust, and trusting God is something many students struggle with.
Ask also that he would imprint his commands on your heart so that you may follow his statutes. Every school year is fraught with temptation. This is about more than just asking him to show you the path he wants you to take. You’re asking him to make you more like him.
Get to know God . . . specifically, his love for you in How to Really, Truly Know God Loves You.
“That I May Rely on Your Faithfulness.”
God is faithful. He keeps his promises and does what he says he’s going to do. If there’s anything or anyone you can rely on, it’s him. Ask that he would not only teach you his ways, but that you would come to rely on him in everything throughout the school year.
Do you struggle with trusting God? Check out Fight, Flight, Freeze…Faith? On Facing Fear & Trusting God. And check out this article written by a believing teen: 3 Things Moving Taught Me About God’s Faithfulness.
“Give Me an Undivided Heart . . .”
Friends, a boyfriend, sports, scholarship competitions, college applications, homework—all these things are clamoring for your attention and devotion, and while all hold importance in your life, your heart should always be fully with God. Pray that you will not become so distracted by the worries and busyness of the school year that your heart would become divided. Because when we focus on him, we are inevitably more productive.
I know, it’s weird how that works.
You will also encounter ideals contrary to what God wants for you. You’ve already prayed for him to teach you his ways. Now ask that he will help you stay fully devoted to him no matter what shiny new trends or alluring ideas arise during the year.
Related: For Better or Worse: How Deep is Your Devotion to God?
“That I May Fear Your Name.”
If you’re wondering exactly what it means to fear God, I’ve written a post all about it: Teens for Christ: What Does it Mean to Fear God? But the whole reason you asked for an undivided heart is so that you can properly fear God. The beauty of this prayer is that it puts the focus where it should be. God isn’t there solely to serve at your beck and call like a waiter. Rather, your purpose in life is to love and serve him.
So when you get on the bus in the morning, and when you walk into the double doors of the school building, and when you take your seat in the classroom, you’re actually doing it all in service to him.
Ask God to help you develop the kind of reverence for him in your heart he deserves so that you can serve him with your life.
Related: 8 Ways to Grow in the Fear of God
“I Will Praise You, Lord my God, With All My Heart . . .”
You’ve asked for some pretty significant things in this prayer, but who says God is the only one who can give in prayer? This is your chance to give back. Offer your praise to God, both in this back-to-school prayer and in all you do during the school year. Praise him for what he’s done and what he’s going to do.
Praise him, because he’s going to answer this prayer.
Prepare your heart of praise with From Silence to Song: How to Find Your Heart of Praise.
“I Will Glorify Your Name Forever.”
You have the chance to devote the new school year—and beyond—to God. Set the tone for glorifying him with your work, your extracurriculars, your relationships, and your leisure activities with this final declaration in your back-to-school prayer.
Wondering how to glorify God with your life? Check out these posts:
More Back-to-School Resources for Christian Teens
You don’t have to have all the answers.
but, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
Make Jesus a priority in your life, and see where he takes you.
Check out my other posts to get your school year off to a great start.
- Proverbs 3: How to Start the School Year With Confidence
- A Back-To-School Guide For Christian Teens: 5 Valuable Reminders
For more about holy living: The Holy Teenage Life: Real Faith, Real Happiness
More posts to help enhance your prayers: