Starting a new school year can be both exciting and daunting for students and parents alike.
To bring comfort, inspiration, and a sense of peace, we’ve compiled 30 short prayers for the first day of school, each paired with a scripture to reinforce faith and courage.
These prayers are designed to nurture spiritual growth and provide divine guidance for students as they embark on their academic journey, fostering a strong foundation in faith and learning.
30 Short Prayers for First Day of School
1. Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Heavenly Father, as I embark on this new school year, I place my trust in You. Guide my steps and give me the wisdom to navigate the challenges ahead. May I always seek Your guidance in all that I do.
2. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Lord, grant me the strength and confidence to face each day with courage. Help me to remember that with You, all things are possible. Strengthen me to excel academically and personally.
3. Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Dear God, as I step into this new school year, remind me to be strong and courageous. Let me feel Your presence and assurance in every situation. Keep me from fear and anxiety, knowing that You are always with me.
4. Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
O Lord, illuminate my path with Your word. As I start this school year, guide my learning and help me to seek knowledge and understanding. Let Your light shine through me in all my endeavors.
5. 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.”
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the plans You have for me. As I begin this school year, help me to trust in Your perfect plan for my future. Fill me with hope and assurance of Your goodness.
6. Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Lord, renew my mind as I start this academic year. Help me to focus on what is good and pleasing to You. Let me not be swayed by negative influences, but be transformed by Your love and grace.
7. Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Dear God, empower me to be a light in my school. May my actions reflect Your love and grace to everyone I encounter. Let my good works bring glory to You.
8. Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Father, help me to approach my studies and activities with diligence and dedication. Let everything I do be done to honor You. May I strive for excellence, knowing that I am working for You.
9. Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Lord, as I begin this school year, remove any fear or apprehension from my heart. Strengthen and uphold me with Your righteous hand. Help me to rely on Your presence and support.
10. Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”
Heavenly Father, I commit this school year into Your hands. I trust in Your divine guidance and provision. Act on my behalf, Lord, and lead me to success and growth.
11. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Dear Lord, as I start this school year, fill my heart with Your power, love, and self-control. Remove any fear or anxiety and help me to approach each day with confidence and compassion.
12. Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Heavenly Father, be my refuge and strength throughout this school year. When challenges arise, remind me that You are always there to help and support me.
13. Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Lord, guide my teachers and parents as they help me grow in knowledge and character. May their wisdom and guidance lead me on a path that honors You.
14. Isaiah 40:31
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
O God, renew my strength as I wait on You. Help me to soar above challenges and persevere with endurance throughout this school year.
15. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
Dear Lord, help me to stand firm in my faith and to act with strength and love. Let my actions be a testament to Your grace and kindness.
16. Psalm 121:2
“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Heavenly Father, I look to You for help and guidance. As I begin this school year, remind me that You are the source of all wisdom and strength.
17. Ephesians 6:10
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”
Lord, grant me the strength of Your might as I face the challenges of this school year. Help me to rely on Your power and grace in all that I do.
18. James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Dear God, I seek Your wisdom as I embark on this academic journey. Grant me understanding and insight in my studies and daily interactions.
19. Psalm 23:1-2
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”
O Lord, be my shepherd and guide this school year. Provide for my needs and lead me to places of peace and rest amid my studies.
20. Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Heavenly Father, help me to trust that all things work together for good as I follow Your purpose. May this school year be filled with growth, learning, and Your divine guidance.
21. Proverbs 4:7
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”
Lord, grant me wisdom and insight as I embark on this school year. Help me to seek knowledge and understanding in all my studies and interactions.
22. 1 Peter 5:7
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Dear God, I cast all my anxieties and worries about the new school year onto You. Fill me with Your peace and assurance, knowing that You care for me deeply.
23. Psalm 32:8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.“
Heavenly Father, instruct and teach me in Your ways as I begin this school year. May Your guidance and counsel lead me to success and growth.
24. Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Lord, help me to prioritize seeking Your kingdom and righteousness above all else. As I focus on You, may everything I need be provided for this school year.
25. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Dear Lord, remind me that Your grace is sufficient for me, especially in my weaknesses. Let Your power be made perfect in me as I navigate this school year.
26. Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
O God, I seek You and ask for deliverance from all my fears about the new school year. Fill my heart with confidence and trust in Your faithfulness.
27. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Heavenly Father, bestow Your peace upon me as I start this school year. Calm my troubled heart and remove any fear, knowing that Your peace surpasses all understanding.
28. Psalm 25:4-5
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”
Lord, make me to know Your ways and teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and guide me throughout this school year.
29. Hebrews 13:6
“So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'”
Dear God, I declare with confidence that You are my helper. As I begin this school year, remove all fear from my heart and remind me of Your ever-present help.
30. Psalm 16:8
“I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”
Heavenly Father, I set You always before me as I start this school year. With You at my right hand, I shall not be shaken by any challenges that come my way.
Conclusion
As we embark on the new school year, let these prayers and scriptures serve as a source of strength, comfort, and guidance for students, parents, and educators alike.
By turning to God in prayer and seeking his wisdom, we can navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with confidence and faith.
May each day be filled with divine inspiration, growth, and a deeper connection to our spiritual journey. Let us trust in his plans and embrace the academic year with hope, courage, and a steadfast heart.