The Beginning of Another School Year
Women with tear-streaked faces and smiley faces came to the church for the prayer breakfast where I was speaking. Those who shouted hallelujah made room for those who needed to wipe their tears. It was the first day of school. Young mothers experiencing a child entering kindergarten for the first time sat with mothers whose children were going away to college.

The women who assembled that morning probably were not looking at their children as tomorrow’s leaders: presidents, ministers, educators, inventors, and developers of new technology. They were concerned with the present situations; a child’s fear, the second grader who didn’t want to be hugged in front of his peers, the child who wanted mom to stop taking pictures, the students who were entering their last year in high school, the son who would be driving himself to another state to go to school. Serious concerns and humorous beginnings were shared with tears and laughter.

Today’s parents are faced with many issues: the threat of violence in our schools, the pressure of “keeping up with the Joneses” and the rising cost of education, just to name a few. Family, friends, peers, the media, and caregivers, who may not have our same values, influence our children, and now public or private school teachers are added to this list. What will their teachers be like?

So, how do we approach the new school year? How do we stay strong in our faith amid all the pressures? How do we overcome worry? How do we mold the lives of our children as caring, loving individuals, and continue establishing them in their walk with God? These questions demand answers and become more significant with each passing year. The solution is wrapped up in one powerful word – prayer. Not prayers of desperation, but faith-filled prayers.

Prayer will give you the confidence to face each and every challenge. Be alert and listen when your children talk to you about school. Get involved as much as possible in their education. Communicate with teachers, and be supportive and helpful. There are solutions for difficult situations.

In Prayers That Avail Much for Mothers and Prayers That Avail Much Commemorative Edition, I share many of the prayers that helped me approach God confidently and intelligently, and I know that these prayers avail much. Our children are adults today with children of their own.

These written prayers of faith will dispel negative thinking; drive away gloom and doom. The prayers of commitment will renew your mind, and accentuate your faith in God. Learn to pray intense prayers – fervent prayers for children with special needs, safety at school, for a child’s learning ability, your teenager, your child’s future and your school system. Many other prayers will help you develop a powerful faith in God.

Believe God! God reveals His plans for your children in Jeremiah 29:11-13. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest. In Isaiah 49:25b He said: I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will give safety to your children and ease them. Also pray Psalm 91 over your children. God watches over His word to perform it because He is concerned about everything that concerns you.

Remember, nothing is impossible with God, and nothing is impossible to the person who believes. You can talk with God about anything, and He has the answer. God is with you, God is helping you and God is for you. Our younger grandchildren and great grandchildren are beginning a new school year, and I know in whom I have believed and persuaded that He is able to keep them in His care.

Copyright © Germaine Copeland 2005


Germaine Copeland is the author of the best selling book series, Prayers That Avail Much. She has written scriptural prayers for the family. Read your Bible, pray and attend church where you can soak up the love and faith of God. You will receive emotional healing, experience spiritual growth and become more intimately acquainted with your Heavenly Father, and your relationships will grow stronger.

Continue to pray the Prayers of Commitment from Germaine’s Prayers That Avail Much Commemorative Edition and ask to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.