Prayer in action

Prayer is a long-standing cornerstone of American Family Association (AFA). AFA staff prays together to begin each day. We pray before meetings. We pray over ministry decisions. We believe in prayer, just as the Bible teaches.

Outside the daily work of AFA, prayer offers individuals and families a way to reset their spiritual compass, express gratitude, seek His guidance, and cultivate peace beyond human understanding as we contend with a fallen world.

First Thessalonians 5:17 says to “pray without ceasing,” reminding us that prayer is not optional but essential. In today’s fast-paced and often uncertain world, intentional prayer practices (especially those centered around children and schools) are more important than ever for Christians. When families and communities pray, they not only strengthen their own faith but also create a spiritual covering that can profoundly impact the next generation.

Prayer walking

One very meaningful expression of this is prayer walking at local schools and in classrooms (if allowed) a week or so before the school year begins. That involves traveling to the physical location of a school campus, planting your feet, and praying. Consider coordinating with parents, church members, and community leaders to walk the school halls, circle the campus perimeter, or gather at entrances. Ask God for safety, wisdom for teachers, biblical unity among students, and a Christ-like learning environment. This act reflects God’s invitation: “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

Collaborative prayer

Collaborative praying for schools is especially important. One meaningful practice is when mothers regularly gather and pray. Moms in Prayer International (momsinprayer.org) is a wonderful ministry that coordinates this effort. When mothers come together in prayer (whether weekly or monthly), they provide a spiritual-based support system for school staff, students, and families.

Scripture guides this form of shared prayer: “Pray for one another. … The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16). These prayer gatherings provide a space to share burdens, celebrate victories, and intercede for children’s academic, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Over time, these groups become a source of encouragement and strength, helping mothers remain steadfast as they trust God with their children’s lives.

Family prayer

In the home, fathers play a crucial role in establishing the importance of prayer. One simple habit is for dads to pray with their children before the school day begins. These shared moments do not need to be lengthy. A brief prayer – for protection, extra focus on learning, kindness toward classmates, and courage when facing potential peer pressure – can set the tone for the entire day.

The Bible reassures us of God’s care: “The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever” (Psalm 121:8). For children, hearing their father pray over them reinforces a sense of security and identity while modeling biblical faith in action and teaching daily reliance on God.

The impact of prayer

When both parents engage in prayer (mothers in the community and fathers in daily family routines), the impact is multiplied. Children begin to see faith not as something reserved for Sundays but as a living, daily practice. They learn to bring their worries to God, as Scripture says: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer … let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Over time, these habits shape their character, confidence, and spiritual maturity. Ultimately, prayer invites God into every aspect of life, including our homes, our schools, our relationships, and our decisions.

Because AFA believes in prayer, our Resource Center (resources.afa.net) offers various prayer resources to strengthen your prayer life, including “A Prayer for Educators” bookmarks. These two-sided, full-colored cards come in packs of 10 and would make a great back-to-school guide for both families and schools.