A peek inside this post: Want to start the school year on the right foot? Invite God to walk the halls and sit in the classroom with your student with this back to school devotional!
Welcome to our back to school devotional series! The summer is dwindling down, school supplies are flying off the store shelves, and your schedule is about to get more complicated.
As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s the perfect time to refocus and renew our hearts and minds with a Christ-centered perspective.
Whether you’re a student gearing up for a new academic year, a parent preparing your children for school, or a Sunday school/youth group director helping your students navigate this season, this devotional is designed to equip you with spiritual strength and wisdom.
Join us as we use scripture, commentary, discussion questions, activities, and prayer to start the school year with faith, purpose, and a deep sense of God’s presence in every step of the journey.
Now this gets an A+: We are offering this back to school devotional as a PDF for your convenience!
Who is this devotional written for?
Before we get into the devo’s content, you may be wondering what age group it’s best suited for.
This devotional is written for:
- families with children or grandchildren
- Sunday schools
- youth groups
- outreach
To accommodate the wide range of children that may be participating, our hope is to write devotionals that ANY age can get something out of by not talking down to teenagers while also not speaking too maturely for younger children.
We try to offer additional resources to help reinforce the lesson if parts of the devotional might be a little complex for young minds.
Discussion questions are meant to be simple, and the depth of discussion will vary based on age and maturity. As a general rule, we err on the side of not making the content sound like it’s written for kindergarteners, but hope that it’s short and sweet enough for them to participate!
Ok, let’s get into School Days + God’s ways: a back to school devotional…
5 Day Back to School Devotional
Day 1 | Honoring our teachers and staff
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
Hebrews 13:17
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
As the new school year begins, it’s important to remember the important role that teachers and staff play in our education.
They are mentors, guides, and caretakers who invest their time and energy into helping us grow and succeed. They also have their own homes and families, just like we do, with a lot of work to balance.
The Bible teaches us to respect and honor those in authority, and this includes our teachers and school staff.
Taking time to appreciate them is not just a kind gesture, but also a reflection of our Christian values. By honoring their hard work and dedication, we are living out the call to love and respect those who serve and guide us.
Let’s set the tone for a great school year, and make it a priority to continually support and encourage the educators and staff who contribute so much to our daily lives.
DISCUSSION
- Can you think of a teacher or staff member who has been kind to you? Maybe the sweet cafeteria worker who gave you an extra dessert or the teacher that stayed after school to make sure you understood the math assignment. Have you thanked God for putting someone like that in your life?
- Why do you think someone would choose to be an educator?
- When you think about the fact that teachers and staff have their own homes and families to take care of, does that change the way you view them? When they go home and tell their families about their day, what kinds of things do you hope they’ll get to share?
ACTIVITY
Brainstorm some ways that you can show gratitude, respect, and offer encouragement to your teachers and staff this school year, or use our ideas for some inspiration!
- Write a note: Personalize a handwritten note expressing gratitude for their dedication and hard work, or let them know you’re looking forward to a great school year with them.
- Be engaged and attentive: Show interest in lessons, participate in class, and follow classroom rules. This will make their job easier and more enjoyable, and you’ll enjoy your time in class more, too!
- Bring a small gift: A small token of appreciation, like an indoor plant, a book, an easy breakfast like a cup of yogurt with a banana, or even extra school supplies like a box of sharpened pencils would brighten any teacher’s day!
- See them and greet them: This seems simple, but you might be surprised how invisible and lonely staff members can feel in a crowded school. Don’t just walk by the custodian mopping the floor or the lunchroom attendant restocking the napkins. Look them in the eye and say hello. Ask how their day is.
- Pray for them: Lift your teachers and school staff up in prayer. If appropriate, you can let them know that you’re praying for them and hope they have the best school year.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of education and for the dedicated teachers and staff who guide us. Help us to honor and respect them in all that we do.
Give them wisdom and patience as they teach us, lead us, and care for our school. Provide them with your strength and perseverance to go home and love their own families well.
Help us to see Jesus in their faces, and help them to see Him in ours. May we be a source of encouragement and light to them, reflecting your love in our actions. Bless this school year and bless our staff.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 2 | Building Godly relationships with peers
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
Starting a new school year means reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. Friendships play a big part in our lives, especially during school. They provide support, encouragement, and companionship.
As you enter this school year, remember that friendships are a gift from God. They can help you grow, provide joy, and be a source of strength.
It’s important to choose friends wisely and be a good friend yourself. As you navigate friendships and peer relationships, remember to seek and be the kind of friend that reflects God’s love and values.
Seek friendships that build you up, encourage you in your faith, and help you become the person God created you to be, and do your best to be that kind of friend, too.
You can also be kind to peers who aren’t necessarily your “friends”. Just because you’re not close friends, that doesn’t mean you can’t be friendly.
Here are some things to remember this school year:
- Choose friends wisely. The Bible teaches us that good friends can sharpen us, helping us grow as Christians. Have you ever heard the phrase, “You are the company you keep,”? Make sure you’re surrounding yourself with friends who are the kind of person you want to be, and who God has called you to be.
- Be kind and encouraging. While choosing good friends is important, being a good friend is, too. Show kindness, honesty, and support to your peers, whether you consider them a close friend or not. School and life can be challenging, and we all need encouragement from time to time.
- Handle conflicts respectfully. Conflicts are a natural part of any friendship. When disagreements arise, handle them with grace and forgiveness. Seek to understand the other person’s point of view and work towards a resolution that honors God. Remember, “A gentle answer turns away wrath,” (Proverbs 15:1), and “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” (James 1:19).
DISCUSSION
- Why do you think friendships are important, especially during the school year?
- What qualities do you look for in a friend? How can you grow those qualities in yourself?
ACTIVITY
Make a plan to invite friends over or to meet up somewhere fun sometime in the first quarter of school. Turn your “circle” into a “horseshoe” by making space for new students or someone you haven’t talked to much.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of friendships. As we start this new school year, help us to be good friends.
Guide us in choosing friends who encourage us in our faith and help us grow closer to you.
Help us to see and make space for peers who need community.
May our friendships reflect your love and bring glory to your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 3 | Trusting God’s plan for our safety
The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:10-18
As the new school year begins, concerns about safety often come to mind for both parents and students. Whether it’s traveling to and from school, navigating the hallways, or staying safe in different situations, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious.
Psalm 121:7-8 reassures us that God watches over our lives and protects us. He is our constant guardian, keeping us from harm and guiding our every step. He loves us more than anyone, and always wants the very best for us!
This scripture reminds us that we can trust God with our safety. While it’s important to take practical steps to stay safe, we should also place our confidence in God’s protection. Knowing that He is watching over us gives us peace as we start a new school year.
God has given us a spiritual armor to put on so we can face each day in full confidence that He’s got our backs. The helmet of salvation, chest plate of righteousness, sword of the spirit, shield of faith, belt of truth and shoes of peace are all parts of the Armor of God that we can “wear” daily.
We of course have to do our part to make safe choices, like looking both ways before we cross a street, and not being a part of dangerous activities, but ultimately, our safety is in God’s hands.
Trust that He has a plan for each of us and that He is always in control. Even when circumstances seem uncertain or frightening, God is our refuge and strength. Lean on Him, and encourage each other to do the same.
DISCUSSION
- How can remembering that God watches over us help reduce our worries about safety?
- What practical steps can we take to ensure safety at school and while traveling to and from school?
- How can we support and encourage each other to trust in God’s protection?
ACTIVITY
Prayer Walk: Go on a prayer walk around your neighborhood or school. Pray for God’s protection over your home, school, and community. Ask for His guidance and safety for all the students, teachers, and staff. (Our printable back to school devotions has a great prayer printout!)
Put on The Armor of God: Get in the habit of putting on the full armor of God every morning before school. It might help you remember all the pieces by putting it into song, as done here.
*Younger children might enjoy the Armor of God coloring sheet (found in the printable version of these back to school devotions) and discussing how each piece helps protect us spiritually.
PRAYER
God, thank you for your promise of protection. We ask for your angels to guard us in all our ways. Help us to trust in your plan and to take practical steps for our safety.
Protect us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Equip us with your full armor so that we can stand strong in our faith. Thank you for being our refuge and strength.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 4 | Valuing wisdom and hard work
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24
Sometimes school can seem like a bit of a chore, right? It’s not always the most fun thing in the world and the days can feel long, but we are truly blessed to live in a time and place where we can get an education!
The bible encourages us to seek wisdom from God, promising that He will give it generously to those who ask.
Wisdom is necessary for making sound decisions, understanding new ideas, and navigating relationships with teachers and peers.
In addition to seeking wisdom, Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us of the importance of hard work. These verses urge us to work with all our heart, as if working for the Lord.
This scripture can change the way we approach our schoolwork and responsibilities. Instead of seeing them as tasks, we can view them as opportunities to honor God through our diligence and commitment.
Applying these scriptures to the back-to-school season will help us dedicate our efforts to the Lord. Whether it’s studying for a test, participating in class, or helping a friend, every action can become an act of worship.
As we embrace this school year, let’s remember that God is ready to provide the wisdom we need, and He values our hard work. By seeking His guidance and working with all our heart, we can navigate the school year with confidence and purpose, all for His glory.
DISCUSSION
- How can you ask God for wisdom in your daily school activities?
- What are some ways you can work with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, in your studies and other responsibilities?
- How does viewing your schoolwork as an act of worship change your attitude towards it?
ACTIVITY
God is the ultimate source of wisdom, and He’s given us everything we need to know in the Bible. Commit to memorizing scripture together regularly.
You could doodle with scripture art, place notecards around your home and in your car, or use the verse of the week printable (included in our printable back to school devotions) to help. A good place to start would be in the book of Proverbs, which is packed with wisdom!
PRAYER
Dear God, we thank you for the promise of wisdom and the encouragement to work diligently. As we begin this new school year, we ask for your guidance and understanding in all that we do.
Help us to seek your wisdom daily and to approach our studies and responsibilities with a heart dedicated to you. May our efforts bring glory to your name and reflect our commitment to serving you.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 5 | Resting intentionally
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.
Exodus 20:8-10
Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:27
With the excitement of a new school year and all it brings– classes, activities, and friendships, it often comes with a whirlwind of busyness. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with the demands of schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social commitments.
These things are usually good, and can be good for us, but they can also become too much if we allow them to.
In the midst of this hectic season, the bible reminds us of the importance of intentional rest.
God knew that as humans, we would need down time for our bodies and minds to rest, and to recharge our spirits. When we take time to rest in God’s presence, we allow Him to refresh our spirit and provide the strength we need to face our daily challenges.
Resting in God means trusting Him with our burdens and finding peace in His promises, knowing that He loves us so much!
It can be tempting to fill up our schedule with all the things: clubs, sports, lessons, etc., but God reminds us to take a day out of our week to rest. He calls it a sabbath, where work is supposed to wait, and where rest and time with God and family are meant to be the priority.
The Sabbath is a gift.
God modeled the sabbath rest for us when he rested on the seventh day after creating the heavens, earth, people, animals, and plants.
In the book of Mark, Jesus’ disciples were picking grain on the sabbath day, and the religious leaders were bothered by the disciples not following the Sabbath rule. Jesus shut down this way of thinking by telling the religious leaders, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
Jesus was letting them know that the Sabbath was not made to be a burdensome rule. Instead, it’s a wonderful gift! (If you’re not convinced rest is a gift, tell your mom or dad they can go rest while you clean up after dinner and see how they react!)
We can honor our need for rest, and take God up on this incredible gift, by not over-filling our schedules and setting aside special time to rest intentionally. When we make rest a priority, we’ll be able to handle our responsibilities, even the fun ones, with a clear mind and renewed spirit.
Let’s commit to making time for intentional rest this school year, trusting that God will provide the peace and renewal we need. By doing so, we can navigate this busy season with grace, strength, and a deep sense of God’s presence in our lives.
DISCUSSION
- When you think of the word “rest” what comes to mind?
- A lot of people think rest means sleep, but really, rest can be anything that helps you chill out, relax, and feel at peace. What are some things you like to do that help you feel rested and peaceful?
ACTIVITY
Come up with a restful tradition your family can enjoy, especially for the first few weeks of school. Everyone will be tired!
Things like family game night, pizza + movie fridays, a quiet Sunday afternoon after church, a weekly bonfire where you cook and eat hot dogs outside, or even 10 minutes of quiet time after a school day are some things that you could look forward to, and would help you feel rested and connected to each other.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of rest. Help us to prioritize intentional rest and to find peace in your presence.
Teach us to balance our responsibilities with moments of quiet and renewal. Refresh our spirits and give us the strength to face each day.
May we support each other in seeking you and resting in your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wrapping up these devotions for back to school
Thanks for checking out our back to school devotional series! We hope it has been a helpful resource to you and your family.
We at Just Homemaking are praying you have a safe and happy back to school season. Don’t forget to snag the printable version of this devotion below!
School Days + God’s Ways Back to School Devotions: Printable PDF
For your convenience, we’ve compiled this devo into a clever PDF that’s easy to print or use on your phone, tablet, or computer.
>>> Grab it here.