We all saw the video clips of the shooting in Uvalde. We’ve heard the heart-wrenching cries and outrage of parents who lost their children in the shooting rampage.

Part of me wanted to wrap my arms around these grieving and bereft parents. Another part of me wanted to roar at the TV and in my prayer time against these senseless shootings.

I want to do anything to relieve the pain, stop the shootings, and change the overall culture of our schools. But what?

What if we poured our hearts to God to protect our schools and children this year? If we lifted our hands to him for our children’s lives (Lamentations 2:19)?

Let’s trust God this new school year and pray on the offensive to protect our children and schools.

Against the enemy

Father, we thank you that you do not sleep or slumber. We trust you today, our Protector. We ask out of your great mercy for the children and staff at our school to frustrate the enemy’s counsel and thwart the plans of the wicked. Let no weapon formed against my child prevail. Reveal what is done in darkness and expose the enemy’s secret plan before it happens. Rescue us from the enemy and render him powerless. May our enemies be caught in their web or snare before they harm another soul. We look to you for help.

Of the mind

Lord, we ask you to govern our children’s minds by the Spirit so they may have life and peace. Guard hearts and minds against anxiety with the peace that passes all understanding. We pray on behalf of our children that they take every thought captive to your Word. Demolish all stinking thinking and lies in Jesus’s name. May they think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and only what pleases you.

Of the heart

Give the students and staff an undivided heart to serve you. Soften hearts toward you, your Word, and each other. Protect hearts from hurts and horrors. May the hearts at our school be knitted together and united for God’s Kingdom.

For the School

Father, would you be a wall of fire around our school? Fill the halls and rooms with your presence, and move in the hearts and minds of each person who walks through the doors. Walk with our staff and students to protect and deliver them from the enemy. Protect all lives by shielding them from bullets, fire, and natural disasters. May your faithfulness be a protective shield around our school.

Over the people

Lord, cause hearts and minds to be responsive to your Spirit. Give the principal and all decision makers wisdom and quick thinking. Break students free of addiction and oppression. Bless and protect the staff and students at school. Keep them safe from violent men who want to cause harm. Be gracious to us and rise up against those who are against us. Cause us to trust you with our whole lives.

Over your child

Father, be a refuge and fortress around my child. Cover her with your protection. I plead that no harm will come to my child or any child. Keep your angels close and in charge of her. When I call for help, hurry to rescue. Be with my child in trouble and save her. Hide her in the protection of your presence and conceal her in your shelter from human deceit and schemes.

On the Way

Gracious God, protect lives along the way and among the people as they travel to and from school and events. Reroute buses and cars to avoid danger. Watch over students’ comings and goings. Go before them and be their rear guard.

Even in our solitary prayer time, one can feel alone in this ice-cold world. If that’s you, pray with another like-minded mom. Regularly meet or call and pray. You will be encouraged and surprised by what God will do through you and your prayers of faith.

Don’t grow weary. Don’t give up hope, tired momma.

Rise up and cry out for the lives of your children.