This article is part two in a series of five which focuses on raising a prayer shield in different areas of life, including family, a school, a community, the Church and missionaries. In this article we focus on a school.
Raising a prayer shield is not a new idea or type of prayer. Practically, a prayer shield is simply a spiritual prayer covering of protection, intercession and blessing over individuals, families, etc. It involves consistently praying for divine protection, guidance and intervention against spiritual attacks, negative influences and challenges.
A hedge of protection
The first time I became aware of a ‘hedge of protection’ surrounding a prayerful person was when I read about it in the book of Job.
He was a prayerful person: Job 1:5 – So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus, Job did regularly.
He was surrounded by a hedge of protection: Job 1:9-10 – So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Why is a prayer shield necessary?
The following benefits of a prayer shield are valid whether we pray for ourselves, a friend, our family, school or nation, etc.
- Spiritual protection – It shields from spiritual warfare, attacks and negative influences (Ephesians 6:12).
- Godly guidance – It invites God’s wisdom and direction into a life (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Strength and unity – A prayer shield helps to stay strong in faith and maintain unity (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
- Healing and provision – It opens the door for God’s provision, health and peace (Philippians 4:6-7).
- Strengthening your faith – It strengthens spiritual growth and trust in God.
School prayer shield
Raising a prayer shield over your children’s school is a powerful way to invite God’s protection, wisdom and peace into their learning environment. It is also important to watch over schools, so no evil presence or rebellion will take root.
- Cover the school in prayer daily – Commit to pray for your children’s school every day. Ask God to cover the teachers, students, staff and the school grounds with His presence and protection.
- Declare God’s protection over the school – Speak Psalm 91 over the school and your children. Declare that God’s angels will guard the school from any harm, violence, or negative influences.
- Pray for the teachers and staff – Pray that teachers will have wisdom, patience and integrity in guiding the students. Ask God to fill them with His love so they can positively influence the children.
- Pray for the students – Ask God to give students a spirit of wisdom, understanding and obedience so they can learn and grow in a healthy environment.
- Cover the school against evil influences – Pray against any negative influences such as bullying, peer pressure, violence and spiritual darkness. Ask God to guard the school against harmful ideologies and ungodly teachings. Also, against any form of drug abuse, bullying, disrespecting teachers/parents/authority, witchcraft influences, harmful games, etc.
- Walk around the school and pray – If possible, visit the school grounds and pray on a regular basis. Walk around the school and declare God’s Word over it. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you specific Scriptures you can read out loud in faith for God’s protection, His will and purpose for the school to be fulfilled. Where should you pray?
- Pray over all entrances/exits – Ask God to guard the school like a gatekeeper (Psalm 121:8).
- Pray over all offices: teachers’/principal’s office – Ask the Lord to work in their hearts to share the love of God with children (John 3:16).
- Pray over all classrooms – Ask for wisdom and knowledge to fill the minds of students (Proverbs 2:6).
- Pray over the playground/recreational areas – Ask for protection and peace (Isaiah 54:13).
- Start or join a prayer group – If possible, connect with other Christian parents to form a prayer group for the school. When believers pray together, spiritual strongholds are broken (Matthew 18:19-20).
- Pray for God’s presence to fill the school – Above all, pray that God’s Spirit will be present at the school, influencing the atmosphere, teachers and students. That everyone entering through the gates of the school will become aware of their need to experience God’s love and will grow in their desire to surrender their lives to the Lord Jesus.
Powerful Bible verses to pray over your child’s school
- Isaiah 54:13 – All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. Use this verse to pray for your child’s teachers, learning environment and for the peace of God to guard their hearts and minds throughout the school day.
- Psalm 91:11 – For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. Pray this as protection over your child—physically, emotionally and spiritually—as they engage in classrooms, playgrounds and peer relationships.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Pray this verse for your child’s daily decisions, friendships, academic choices and responses to peer pressure, asking God to guide their steps.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Use this verse to cover your child in boldness, clarity and love—especially in challenging social or academic settings.
How to use these verses in prayer:
- Pray these verses out loud every morning before your child goes to school.
- Write them on sticky notes or notecards and place them in your child’s backpack or lunchbox.
- Declare them over the school building when you drive by or drop off your child.
- Encourage your child to memorise key verses for strength and protection.
WEEKLY PRAYER PLAN
Monday: Protection and safety over the school
Pray for God’s covering over every child, staff member and the entire school grounds. (Psalm 121:7–8).
Tuesday: Wisdom and understanding for students and teachers
Ask the Lord to pour out wisdom, insight and clarity in teaching and learning. (James 1:5).
Wednesday: Godly friendships and positive peer influence
Pray that children will be surrounded by wise, godly friends and uplifting peer relationships. (Proverbs 13:20).
Thursday: Spiritual protection against negative influences
Intercede for children to be spiritually equipped to resist temptation and harmful influences. (Ephesians 6:11).
Friday: Strength and boldness in faith for every child
Declare courage and steadfastness in children’s walk with God, both at school and beyond. (Joshua 1:9).
How to use this plan:
- Pray each day’s focus out loud over your child and their school.
- Speak the key Scriptures daily, declaring them in faith.
- Share with other parents and create a prayer group for the school.
- Walk around the school and pray if possible, declaring God’s presence.
This series continues in part 3 with a focus on Raising a prayer shield over a Community.
