A Prayer for the Homeschool Family - Your Daily Prayer - October 8

A Prayer for the Homeschool Family
By Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading
“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Listen or Read Below

A phrase that we use in our house as a homeschool family is “School is not our life, but it is a part of our life.” This is often the refrain I use when I am met with grumbling and complaints from my children about schoolwork. None of my children is particularly fond of the more structured parts of learning when they must stop playing, but I want to remind them that even the parts of our day we don’t necessarily get excited about still serve a purpose in our lives. It may not be the purpose of our whole lives, but with the Lord’s help, we can find the good in it. As a homeschool mom, I often question whether I am making a difference in my children’s lives, since they protest so much at the very thing God has called me to do: teach them. Instead of becoming discouraged or tempted to throw in the towel completely, I lean into God’s grace and know that His will for my children and for me is our sanctification, and this is not something that I have to make happen in my own strength; it is the Lord who will work in my heart and life, as well as the lives of my children.

The Apostle Paul brings such encouragement to my weary homeschool-mom-heart as I look ahead to this new school year with my children. In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul says:

“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Oh, how the Lord uses homeschooling to sanctify me! Sanctification is the process of being made holy only through the merits and justification of Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit, which is then reflected in man. Sanctification cannot be attained by any works-based process, but only through the works and power of God Almighty.  It is the Lord who will bring your sanctification to completion, as we learn to yield our lives over to His grace and strength to walk in obedience to His Holy Word. The same grace that saves us is the same grace that empowers us to live holy and set apart as a witness to this fallen world.

If you encounter resistance or complaints as a homeschooling parent, it is an opportunity for the Lord to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit within you. In the challenges of teaching your children, He will teach you patience and how to lead your children in God’s grace. You will not only learn perseverance but also teach it to your children. Homeschooling is so much more than academics; it is a beautiful opportunity to shape and strengthen your children’s worldview, reflecting what the Bible says about all subjects of education and life as they seek to glorify God in everything, including mathematics. The verse above also reminds us that God brings peace even in challenging seasons or situations, forming Christlikeness in us as we yield to His Spirit. If you have been called His child, whatever He asks you to do for His glory, He will faithfully guide you, change you, and strengthen you! Homeschooling our children is such a wonderful calling and an opportunity to reflect the love and forgiveness of God to our kids, over and over again, especially when we fail and walk in the flesh rather than in the Spirit. Homeschooling your children is one of the most rewarding experiences that will surely change you and stretch you in many ways. May the Lord use this new school year in your home to increase your worship as you learn together with your children how to honor Him in all things!

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father,

I often feel so ill-equipped when it comes to teaching my children, but I know that You have called me to shepherd and train my children for Your glory. Even when I am met with grumbling and resistance from my children, help me to remind them that hard doesn’t always equal bad. You use all things to shape us and sanctify us to look more like You. Help me to depend upon You when I grow weary. Your word says that You are the God of peace and You are faithful to sanctify us. What a privilege to raise and train these children You have given me. I depend on Your grace and strength daily and trust that You will use this school year to make our home a place of worship and a place where we love to learn and grow together. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Go Deeper: The Inspired Homeschool: Rethinking the Way Your Child Learns

What if the secret to raising a confident, faith-filled learner has been sitting in history books all along? 

Jennifer Pepito, host of Restoration Home and author of The Inspired Homeschool, joins Arlene to explore how homeschooled figures from history — including Leonardo da Vinci, C.S. Lewis, and Laura Ingalls Wilder — offer a roadmap for joyful, confident learning today. Jennifer shares the warning signs of a homeschool that's lost its spark, why she chose to homeschool her seven children, and practical tools like notebooking that help kids make learning their own. This conversation will help you raise curious kids who are able to think on their own.

This episode isn't just for homeschoolers - it's for any parent who wants to help their children love learning. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!

Discuss today’s devotional with others in the Your Daily Prayer thread on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: GettyImages/Iam Anupong

Emily Massey began writing short stories and poetry as a little girl, entered the blogging world in her early 20s, and published her first book in 2015. She enjoys being a homeschooling momma of four boys, while still being able to pursue her passion as a writer. Believing she has been forgiven much, she loves much, and desires to point others to Christ and His redemptive and transforming power, especially by sharing truth found in God’s written word. If you would like to connect with Emily, you can visit www.emilyrosemassey.com.

Want More Encouragement for Your Day?

Story Behind is a Christian podcast sharing true stories of God at work in the lives of ordinary people: from answered prayers and unexpected miracles to everyday heroes, extraordinary courage, and the good news happening in our world today.

Each episode goes beyond the headlines to uncover the remarkable people, moments, and circumstances behind these stories. Discover how God is moving through people, families, and communities, and find hope in the places you might least expect it.