As our grandchildren are back to school, I want to encourage you to make praying for them a priority. The beginning of the school year can be a stressful experience for children from preschool thru college. New teachers and faculty, new classmates, and unfamiliarity in a new school setting can leave children and youth vulnerable to all kinds of negative influences.

Your grandchildren are growing up and being educated in a time of global uncertainty, with peer pressures and temptations that you probably never experienced as a youth. However, we as grandparents can help provide a hedge of protection through prayer so they may be able to resist the temptations and deceptions they encounter, and experience, instead, the triumph and fullness of Christ in their lives.

This next Sunday, September 11 Christian Grandparenting is calling for a Grandparent’s Day of Prayer. A day set aside to intentionally pray for our grandchildren. If you are not able to meet in a group, would you try to meet with another grandparent or two to pray for your grandchildren? It is always a blessing when we pray with others for common issues.

Pray for the students who will be participating in the See You At The Pole prayer gatherings on campuses across the nation on Wednesday, September 28, 2011.

Activities to Keep in Touch

Send a Back to School Note

Send your grandchildren back to school notes, telling them that you will be praying for them as they start a new school year. They may be facing challenging or uncomfortable situations as they attend new schools, meet new teachers, and make new friends. A note of encouragement from their grandparents may give them the confidence they need at this time.

Grandma Sets her Alarm

A grandmother in Texas sets the alarm on her cell phone each day at the time each of her grandchildren are going to school to remind her to pray for them.

Pray for Teacher

Ask your grandchildren for the name of their teachers so you can pray for them. Their teachers will have a major impact on their lives during the school year. If possible, try to meet their teacher or send a note to let them know that you are praying for them as they teach your grandchild.