As a new school year begins, thousands of students, parents, teachers, administrators, and school staff across South Carolina are preparing for a fresh season of learning and growth.

For followers of Christ, the start of the school year is an opportunity to seek God together for every classroom, every campus, and every community.

This guide walks through five areas worth covering in prayer. It starts with hearts, focusing on the students navigating new friendships and convictions and the teachers looking for renewed purpose. From there it moves into homes, where parents are shaping faith alongside homework and schedules. Classrooms get their own focus, from wisdom in teaching to care for students with special needs. Campuses come next, covering the principals, superintendents, and board members making decisions that shape school culture. It closes with a prayer for Kingdom influence, asking that churches would find real ways to partner with the schools around them and that this year would be one where students and faculty come to know Christ.

Partner with Local Schools

Prayer is where it starts, but many churches are also stepping into schools directly through Heart4Schools, SCBaptist’s network connecting churches with local schools through Reading Buddies, Teacher Support, and Backpack Buddies. Our desire is to connect every school with a church that loves and serves them well.

Use this Back to School Prayer Guide as a simple tool to pray intentionally for those who will learn, teach, lead, and serve throughout our state.