My mind is swirling about the beginning of school. Is yours? And when asking God where He would like us to begin our “Prayin’ Up Our Babies” series, I hear from Him. Loud and clear.
The first prayer for my children’s school year, begins with me.
Confession.
Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. James 5:16
It is evident in Scripture that unconfessed sin will hinder my prayers. There is a cleansing that must take place before I enter the Holy Place. I can not just barge in on God stomping my sassy foot and demanding my way, smelly from yesterday’s, or in this case, yesteryear’s, garbage.
This morning, I sit at His feet, fully aware that I have some confessing to do.
Romans 12:3 encourages me to not think of myself more highly that I ought, but to think with sober judgement. That being said, here are a few areas of my heart that needs assessment.
Has my heart has been full of ill feelings toward a teacher or have I talked disrespectfully of school leadership? Do I have uglies in my heart toward a child in the class or have harbored bitterness against another parent? Have I spoken in a gossipy way? Where do I need to confess?
It all needs to come out. This morning.
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25
Do I hold grudges from last year? Am I keeping records of someone’s wrong towards me? Show me Lord Jesus.
I want this school year to be full of anointing and blessing and overflow. Let it start here. With us. Laying our souls bare. And being painfully honest about our sin.
Will you pray with me today, sweet reader? Fill in the blanks where appropriate for you.
Oh Lord Jesus. I am a mess. I bring all of my yuck to you this morning. Any unforgiveness I have in my heart toward another. Lord, I forgive _____________ for they way they hurt me last year. Let me be filled with love toward them, Lord. If I have ever been disrespectful towards the authorities of the school, I confess it now. Forgive me for sinful thoughts toward other children in the class. Bring them to mind Lord, so I can be intentionally loving on them in prayer today. Lord, I lay all grudges, all disappointments, all hurt, all bitterness, all anger, all jealously aside and come ready to enter the Most Holy Place with You, on behalf of this school year. On behalf of my children. Give me a deepening love and appreciation for my child’s school and help me commit to pray fervently for this year. I thank you Father for your Holy Word which promises me that you hear my prayers and forgive me of all unrighteousness. I love you so much. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Reflect and Respond:
Did God show you areas of unconfessed sin today?
Write down a few people you can specifically pray for today. Even if they have hurt you. Even if it is hard to do so. Pray for them. 
Power Verse:
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”–and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32.7
Leave a comment if you prayed along or any thoughts you have.
Becky Crenshaw 
this was a wonderful way to start my morning, becky! thanks for the encouragement from scripture!
Thanks Jennifer! You are awesome.
Thank you. My oldest starts kindergarten next week. I look forward to using your site to help me pray for his year at school.
Sweet Amanda! I am so glad you are praying alongside me! xoxo