Back To School

As we think about families and kids starting school this year, we are full of uncertainties.  Families are making the choice to send their kids to school not necessarily knowing if there will be face to face teaching happening five days a week or a “hybrid” option.  Some parents, for the first time in their lives, are looking at the option of home schooling, in addition to working their regular jobs, to try and give their kids more stability in their days during these uncertain times.  So, what can we do, in all these situations, to help families be better equipped for a successful year?

Buy Skittles or M&M’s! Have you heard about the Skittles or M&M’s prayer for back to school?  The next time you are out shopping pick some up.  The best thing we can do in any situation to equip ourselves, our neighbors and our kids is through prayer.  With God by our side difficult things can feel less difficult!  When you get home open the package and pick one out.  What color is it?  Use this guide to pray:

Red – Pray specifically for the school closest to your home.  Pray for the safety and health of all students at that school.  Pray for any students you know by name.  Pray for those who may struggle to find friends or have moved to a new school.  Pray for Christian students to share the love of Jesus with other students who do not yet know Jesus.

Purple/Brown – Pray for strength and health for all the teachers preparing to teach students. Pray for the Lord’s peace to reign in their classrooms. Pray for all the parents who are homeschooling their children.  Pray for Christian teachers to share the love of Jesus with their students and fellow teachers.

Green – Pray for the parents who are sending their kids to school this year. Pray that they would make time each day to talk to their kids about what went on at school.  Pray for Christian parents to model Christ at home to their kids. Pray for any parents of school age children you know by name.

Yellow – Pray for safe travels to and from school this year for all bus drivers, parents, and student drivers. Pray for safety and protection for all schools in your area for this entire school year.

Orange – Pray for all our Sunday school teachers who are about to have new students in their class this fall. Pray that they would share God’s love effectively with their students. Pray that many children would give their hearts to Jesus this year.

Get together with others and do a popcorn prayer.  Each of you can pick a Skittle or M&M from the package, and as you go around the circle pray according to the color you chose. 

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.