What a joy it was to see so many of our children come forward last Sunday as we prayed over them for the new school year! There's something powerful about watching our church family gather around these precious ones, laying hands on them, and lifting them up to our Father who loves them even more than we do.

As our kids head into their first full week of school, they're carrying those prayers with them into classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and lunchrooms. Some are excited, others nervous, many are both! They're facing new teachers, new challenges, new friendships, and new opportunities to shine Christ's light in their schools. Here are some ways to continue to pray for kids this week:

Pray for Gospel Identity in a World of Comparison "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9) Ask God to help our children remember their true identity as His beloved sons and daughters when classmates try to define them by performance, appearance, or popularity. Pray that they would find their worth not in grades or social status, but in being chosen and loved by the Creator of the universe.

Pray for Wisdom Beyond Their Years "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5) Our kids face decisions daily that can shape their character - who to sit with at lunch, how to respond to unkindness, whether to join in gossip or stand up for someone being bullied. Pray that God would give them supernatural wisdom to make choices that honor Him, even when it's hard or makes them different from their peers.

Pray for Hearts That See Others as God Sees Them "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23) School can harden young hearts quickly - cliques form, judgment happens, and comparison steals joy. Pray that our children would have soft hearts toward classmates who are different, struggling, or lonely. Ask God to help them see past surfaces to hearts that need Jesus, and to be His hands and feet in their schools.

Pray for Parents to Lead with Gospel Grace "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) The pressure on parents during the school year is intense - homework battles, social drama, academic stress. Pray that our parents would lead their families with the same grace they've received from God, creating homes where kids can process their days honestly and find refuge in Christ's love, not just performance-based approval.

And if you've been thinking about serving in our kids' ministry, this Sunday's volunteer meeting would be a perfect time to explore how God might use you in the lives of these amazing young people. We need adults who will invest in the next generation, and there's no greater privilege than helping shape young hearts for Jesus.

Thanks for being a part of what God is doing at BBCC

Pastor Sam