Every morning it’s the same…Did you finish your math homework last night? Did you put your ELA folder in your bookbag? When is your science project due? Don’t forget your lunchbox! Over and over again, it plays like a broken record set on repeat. And don’t even get me started on the back-to-school supply lists! Is it even possible to use six packs of notecards and ten glue sticks in a single school year? Never mind…I’m getting off topic. Regardless, it seems like it’s never ending the way we make sure to prepare our children for the tasks they will face each day. As parents, myself absolutely included, we make such a big deal out of it all. We send them off with a constant reminder of the pressures of this world. They know how important it is to be responsible, to get their homework completed, to study for their upcoming tests and complete assignments and projects, because they learn to prioritize the same way we did. They learn by watching their parents.
But what about making sure they’re prepared for their day spiritually? Do you send them out prepared for battle with a #2 pencil or a sword? Strange question maybe, but I assure you, it’s no joke! What our children are facing as we send them out the door each morning is nothing short of a daily battle. A battle against their flesh, against gossip, against evildoers and manipulators, against an army of the devil’s plots and schemes…all well thought out and strategically placed, neatly wrapped with the names of our children on them. How do we protect them? How can we trust that they won’t fail the test? By entrusting them to the one who has already won the war. The best way to prepare them is to teach them how to prepare themselves each day. In Ephesians 6, Paul encourages us to “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” This is the example given by our heavenly father…. His battle plan for winning every day. Pray it over your day, pray it over your children…and then pray it with your children.
“Dear Lord, as I get out of bed today, I know I’m stepping onto a battlefield. But I also know you’ve given me everything I need to stand firm. So in the power of Your Holy Spirit, I put on the armor of God:
First, I place the Helmet of Salvation on my head. Protect my mind and imagination; focus my thoughts only on the things of God. Holy spirit, guard my eyes, that no sin would creep in.
Let the Breastplate of Righteousness guard my heart and keep my emotions safe. I pray that I won’t be governed by my feelings, but by Your truth.
Wrap your word around me like a Belt of Truth and safeguard me from error.
I put on the Shoes of Peace to guide my steps. Plant my feet in Your truth and empower me to stand firm against attack.
I take up the Shield of Faith. Lord, protect me from the fiery arrows of doubt, denial and deceit. Place me shoulder to shoulder with Your army to oppose the Devil’s schemes.
Finally, I take up the Sword of the Spirit, Your Word. Place it in my heart in a fresh, exciting way so I will always be ready to deflect attacks and pierce hearts with Your truth.
Lord, I know I’ll face attacks today. But You’ve empowered me to stand firm. Give me strength for the battle today. Amen”