5 Back-to-School Prayer Stations for the New School Year

Can you believe it? A new school year is just around the corner, and kids are getting ready to head back to school! The start of a new school year evokes all kinds of emotions, from excitement to fear. So use this back-to-school prayer station activity to help kids at your church prepare their hearts and minds before they head back to school. Plus, download a free and encouraging family devotion you can deliver digitally to all the families in your church (includes links to videos, so it’s best if you can share it digitally). It’s a great way to show parents you care about their kids and the entire family!

Download the back-to-school prayer station signs.

Back-to-School Prayer Station Supplies to Gather:

Many Prayers: Station 1

• station sign with instructions
• dice
• plastic tablecloth

Rest: Station 2

• station sign with instructions
• a backpack filled with books to make it heavy (but not too heavy for the kids to pick up and put on their backs!)
• plastic tablecloth

Friends: Station 3

• station sign with instructions
• plastic bin or cardboard box
• a variety of toys kids might find at school such as playground balls, jump–ropes, card games, and blocks
• plastic tablecloth

Teacher: Station 4

• station sign with instructions
• whiteboard
• dry-erase marker(s)
• plastic tablecloth

Good Things: Station 5

• station sign with instructions
• large hearts cut from foam sheets
• markers
• plastic tablecloth

On the morning of, set up five different tables within the room or even in the hallway if you can safely do so. Place the prayer station supplies in the center of the tables along with the station sign. Then cover the tables with a plastic tablecloth and tell kids “no peeking” as they arrive.

We recommend playing some reflective music and giving kids plenty of time to walk through each station to pray. The kids can go through the prayer stations in any order.

If you have a large classroom with small group leaders, place a small group leader at each station so they can help read the instructions if needed. Ask them to also be praying for the kids as they come through the station.

Then wrap up everything by asking all the kids to come together for a “group hug” circle as you close out in prayer for the entire group.

Download the back-to-school prayer station signs.

Want more ideas on how to help kids deepen in prayer? Check out Friends With God: Discover How to Pray.

Looking for resources to help families grow faith at home? Check out Notes From Jesus for Families!

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