It's never a "bad" thing to talk to God at any time and in most any way, but I think sometimes we lose the sense of being intentional. "God, please bless my family," is a good example. Does your father have a hard time with hearing or sight? Do your children need a little better attitude in school? Pray for those people specifically, asking for each need. God hears even our unspoken thoughts, but for our sake, we need to make the time to speak them.

Here are some examples from the "back to school" prayers we offered at Prince of Peace earlier this fall. When our congregation prays together, it's usually in the manner that the pastor or an assistant offers a "petition," followed by, "Lord, in your mercy ..." and the congregation responds, "Hear our prayer." Something like that may help you concentrate on each part of your prayer.

For preschool: "Dear Heavenly Father, look after these dear little ones who step out into our world in this new and special way. Give them the love of learning and the joy of playing together."

For kindergarten: "Dear Heavenly Father, place your protective hand upon these little ones who enter for the first time the daily and day-long joys and rigors of education. Bless them with the knowledge of Your constant presence with them."

For elementary: "Dear Heavenly Father, these children are so eager to learn. Bless them as they continue their lifelong skills in reading, language arts, math, social studies, music, physical education, art, and all their subjects. Let them grow in wisdom and understanding."

For middle school: "Dear Heavenly Father, these young people are in such important times of their lives. Be with them throughout their days in sixth, seventh or eighth grade. Help them make the right choices in a difficult world. Let them enjoy the days of their youth as they move into the knowledge of a sophisticated world."

For high school: "Dear Heavenly Father, protect and defend these precious young people. Let their days in high school be ones of fond memories and great advances in learning. Give them wisdom to know Your ways even when others may be pressuring them to ignore You. Keep them safe in cars, in sports, in all extracurricular activities, in all that they do."

For college: "Dear Heavenly Father, we pray especially for all freshmen who open such a big new chapter in their lives right now. Fill them with Your power to accomplish their task of gaining education and growing into full adulthood. Bless all college students. Let them all use the academic ability which You have given them to their fullest potential. Let them be faithful in studying and give them special wisdom for exams and papers. Watch over them, O Lord."

For graduate school: "Dear Heavenly Father, we know that all knowledge comes from You. Bless those who seek extraordinary levels of learning and wisdom in specific fields of study. Be with those who continue to study and learn even while already working. We pray, O Lord, especially for those who are in seminary, preparing for a life's work in Your Church. Grant that all may seek Your face and serve You faithfully."

For teachers, administrators and staff: "Dear Heavenly Father, we pray especially for all teachers, administrators and staff at every level of education. Let every teacher know Your approval for what they are doing. Let every teacher know our appreciation for what they are giving to our children, youth, and to other adults. Give Your power, O Lord, to all these teachers, administrators and staff. They face such monumental challenges every day. Let Your hand of strength and patience guide them. Let Your gift of grace surround them and encourage them. Let Your spirit of love pour through them."

For parents: "Dear Heavenly Father, every parent gives You great thanks for the gift of our children. Let us be wise as we raise them to walk in Your ways. Strengthen us so that we may help our children have the best foundation in education possible. Let us always know that Your strength is our strength. Help us to have patience and endurance, and help us to appreciate the sheer joy of having children."

"We commend the lives of all into Your Loving Hands, in the name of Christ Jesus, Amen."