“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.” Philippians 1:9

Paul prayed this for his beloved spiritual children. Let us join him in praying for the children in our lives as they embark on a new school year.

Our Father,

You are the Father of our children, the Good Shepherd of our lambs. We ask that above all else our children would grow in their capacity to give and receive love. Love is the law of the universe, for You ARE Love. And you distilled every good law ever established down to this:  Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

As they grow in their capacity to love You, their King, and to love others as they love themselves (and may they have a healthy love for themselves), you will grant our children greater cognitive abilities, greater knowledge and understanding. We ask that our children wouldn’t go through the motions of learning, taking tests, and forgetting what they’ve learned. But that you would instill in them a hunger for knowledge, an unquenchable thirst to understand how the world works and glimpses of the gifts you have given them that they can offer to the world. Give them great joy in the journey of their education, and fill them with Your love, encouragement, and affirmation. Protect them from every harmful influence in the Mighty Name of Jesus!

Amen