Everyday Prayers for the School Year: A 30-Day Devotional & Reflective Journal for Moms

by Tara L. Cole, Brooke McGlothlin (Foreword by)

Overview

Moms know all too well that God doesn’t promise an easy road for us—or our kids. As much as we’d love to protect them from heartaches, it just isn’t possible. This is especially true during the school year, when they are introduced to new teachers, new classmates, new concepts, and maybe even a new school that seems big and frightening.

Jesus tells us, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). With this reassurance, we try to reassure our children that no matter what, God is there and He’s on their side.

And we pray.

In Everyday Prayers for the School Year, author Tara L. Cole offers devotional readings and opportunities for mothers to pray for many issues concerning their children, such as:

• Are they making godly friends?
• Are their teachers kind and caring?
• Can they make wise choices in bad situations?
• Will they commit to studying?
• Are they being targeted by bullies?
• If they are unprepared for a test, will they trust God or cheat?

No matter what our kids are facing during the school year, we can’t go wrong when we pray and teach them to pray too.

Our prayer is that they ultimately trust Him for their salvation, but even after they become Christians, they have the daily choice to trust God when they feel like they are standing alone and the circumstances look impossible.

Tara says, “My hope for this journal is that it will help moms turn their worry about their children’s school year into hope, that they take their concerns to God and walk away confident that He loves our kids more than we do. And He is in control.”

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781641238441
Publisher:	Whitaker House
Publication date:	08/02/2022
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.34(d)

About the Author

The mother of three active boys, Tara L. Cole teaches communication at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Tara is passionate about helping moms and their kids deepen their relationships with Jesus. Her previous book, Abide: 40 Ways to Focus on Jesus Daily, and her podcast Over A Cup help women connect with Jesus throughout their day.

Table of Contents

Foreword 9

Acknowledgments 12

Introduction 13

The Think, Pray, Praise Method of Daily Prayer 18

1 May They Know God Is with Them 22

2 May They Have Godly Friends 27

3 May They Have Friends Who Draw Them to Jesus 32

4 May They Find Wise Friends 36

5 May They Find Wise Mentors 40

6 May Their Teachers Be Wise 44

7 May Their Teachers Speak Life 48

8 May Their Teachers Have Endurance 52

9 May God Grant Us Strength 56

10 May They Be Diligent 60

11 May They Make Wise Choices 64

12 May They Work Hard 68

13 May They Be Steadfast 72

14 May They Believe They Are Wonderfully Made 76

15 May They Steward Their Gifts Well 80

16 May They Seek God 84

17 May They Bear Fruit 88

18 May They Remember God's Truth 92

19 May They Know They Were Chosen 96

20 May They Seek Glory from God Alone 100

21 May They Love Others 104

22 May They Choose Joy 108

23 May They Choose Peace 112

24 May They Be Patient 116

25 May They Show Kindness 120

26 May They Grow in Goodness 124

27 May They Be Faithful 128

28 May They Be Gentle 132

29 May They Show Self-Control 135

30 May They Trust God 140

About the Author 144

Editorial Reviews

Few things are more terrifying for a mom than sending their child to school. Equivalent to the great unknown, we often feel like we’re tossing them to the lions, knowing they’ll return with scrapes, bruises, and wounds deeper than stitches could ever heal. More than anything, we want to protect them from influences, ideas, and words that have the potential to derail them and leave them floundering. I can think of no better protection for our children than our prayers as moms. In this practical book, Tara equips and trains us to be powerfully protective parents as she daily leads us through key prayer points that invite the Godhead into every aspect of our children’s lives. Full of Scripture, each day includes practical steps on how to partner with God and trust Him for the security and protection that only He can bring.

Pastor and author, The Complaining Cure - Kim Wahl

Tara Cole is a gifted writer with a knack for crafting words that pour blessings into a mama’s heart. Everyday Prayers for the School Year is the perfect resource moms need to help their children flourish both in and out of the classroom. Packed with personal stories, biblical truth, and amazing prayer prompts, Tara ties it all together each day through practical life application. There’s a plethora of quotes we can glean from like, “When we suffer or are put under pressure, it teaches us endurance.” So good! I love that these words come straight from the heart of both a mom and a teacher who is relatable and abides in Jesus. In every turn of the page, there’s encouragement, grace, and lifelong lessons we can all learn from on both the good days and the hard days. I cannot recommend this book enough, and it will surely become a mainstay for this school year and all the school years to come.

Doris Swift

As a busy mom and former military spouse, I have spent a good portion of my parenting years solo, and I have learned that while I may be parenting without my spouse, I can’t parent on my own. I need strength and guidance from the Lord, as well as the support and exhortation of friends and fellow moms. This is exactly what Tara does in Everyday Prayers for the School Year. She comes alongside moms as a friend, encouraging us while pointing us back to the One who loves our kids more than we could ever imagine. Through this thirty-day devotional, Tara leads us through a quick devotional, prayer, Scripture, and reflective questions. It’s the perfect way to start each day during the school year or any other time of year.

Podcast editor, producer, and coach - Alana Dawson

I can’t think of anything that stirs up more excitement and fear simultaneously in the hearts of parents and kids alike than the start of a new school year. The truth is we can’t always be with our kids, but our prayers can. I’m so grateful to have Tara to guide us through the process of praying with and for our kids. Her prayers are engaging and encouraging; they remind us that we get to partner with a great big God in the lives of our kids. You will return to Everyday Prayers for the School Year over and over through the years and have a beautiful record of God’s faithfulness in the process. These prayers will be a springboard for your own prayers as you talk to the Father about the things that matter most.

Threadbare Prayer Stacey Thacker

Sending our kids to school can be scary, but Everyday Prayers for the School Year reminds us that God is always with our children (and with us). Each day shares a story, Scripture, and something extra to think about—and feels kind of like sitting down with the author for a cup of coffee. Warm and reassuring, this book should be on every mom’s school supply list.

Host, The Couch Podcast - Mary Carver

Tara Cole has written a thoughtful, encouraging, and very practical guide for every mom who wants to intentionally pray for her kids. However, you’ll likely find you’ll grow just as much as your kids as you are consistently and gently pointed back to God and His incredible promises.

Fruit Full Christie Thomas

Tara Cole has written a thoughtful, encouraging, and very practical guide for every mom who wants to intentionally pray for her kids. However, you’ll likely find you’ll grow just as much as your kids as you are consistently and gently pointed back to God and His incredible promises.

Author, Fruit Full - Christie Thomas

I can’t think of anything that stirs up more excitement and fear simultaneously in the hearts of parents and kids alike than the start of a new school year. The truth is we can’t always be with our kids, but our prayers can. I’m so grateful to have Tara to guide us through the process of praying with and for our kids. Her prayers are engaging and encouraging; they remind us that we get to partner with a great big God in the lives of our kids. You will return to Everyday Prayers for the School Year over and over through the years and have a beautiful record of God’s faithfulness in the process. These prayers will be a springboard for your own prayers as you talk to the Father about the things that matter most.

Author, Threadbare Prayer - Stacey Thacker