Vacation Bible School is one of the most exciting times of the year for many churches—a week filled with laughter, music, crafts, and life-changing lessons from God’s Word. And for parents, it’s a time to send those little ones to learn about Jesus and other relevant skills; it also allows parents to rest from all the jumping and running at home. It is behind these colourful decorations and catchy songs that hearts are being shaped for eternity.
Parents, grandparents, church leaders, and friends have a sacred responsibility to cover children in prayer before, during, and after VBS. These prayers are loaded with spiritual antibodies and they fortify these children and invite the presence of God into every snack time, every memory verse, and every conversation.
I have carefully written out prayers under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, to encourage our kids with authority. These prayers will help you speak life, protection, joy, and eternal truth over the young hearts you love.
Prayer for Safety and Protection
“Does VBS really need prayer for safety?”
Heavenly Father, we come before You asking for protection over every child attending Vacation Bible School this week. Guard them physically and spiritually. Psalm 91:11 says You send Your angels to guard us “in all our ways.” As they travel to and from church, keep them safe from harm. Lord, dismiss any fear or anxiety; fill their hearts with peace (Philippians 4:6–7). Let no harm come near their bodies, minds, or spirits. Cover every activity, classroom, meal, bathroom break, and playground with Your divine shield. May they feel secure in Your presence, confident in their safety under Your wings. Amen.
Prayer for Open Hearts to Learn
“How do I pray for a child to learn at VBS?”
Lord Jesus, open the hearts and minds of these young learners at Vacation Bible School. Like the Bereans, who “received the message with great eagerness” and examined the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11), let our children be eager to learn. Fill them with hunger for Your Word. Remove distractions, helping them to focus in Bible stories, songs, and crafts. Father, let each lesson penetrate deeply, transforming their understanding of You and Your love. May their ears be quick to hear and their hearts receptive. Plant seeds of faith that will grow strong roots, bearing good fruit for Your glory. Amen.
Prayer for Boldness in Sharing
“Can you pray a prayer for kids to share Jesus?”
Almighty God, empower these VBS students to share the Gospel boldly. As Your Word commands in 2 Timothy 1:7, do not give them a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. Fill them with courage to invite classmates, siblings, and neighbors to know Christ. Let them speak simple truths like, “Jesus loves you” with confidence and joy. Help them rely on the Holy Spirit’s prompting. Lord, enable each child to reflect Your light and truth, sowing seeds of eternal hope. Let their boldness touch hearts and point others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Friendships and Fellowship
“What to pray for kids making friends at VBS?”
Loving Father, thank You for the community of Vacation Bible School. We pray that children find genuine friendships rooted in Christ. Just as Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” let these friendships encourage love, kindness, and faithfulness. Give them hearts full of empathy and grace. When conflicts arise, teach them to forgive quickly and reconcile. May they learn to pray for one another, laugh together, and grow closer both emotionally and spiritually. Bless every lunch table conversation, small-group study, and playtime with healthy connection. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Leadership and Guidance
“How can I pray for VBS teachers and volunteers?”
Heavenly Father, we lift up every leader, teacher, and volunteer serving during VBS. Grant them wisdom and guidance in every lesson, activity, and conversation. James 1:5 assures us that if anyone lacks wisdom, they may ask You—and You give generously. Fill each helper with clarity, patience, and compassion. Help them model Jesus’ love, kindness, and authenticity. When they feel tired or overwhelmed, renew their strength and joy (Isaiah 40:31). Equip them to shepherd these children spiritually and emotionally. May their lives reflect Your heart, drawing young souls closer to You. Amen.
Prayer for Spiritual Growth
“Can you pray for spiritual growth in kids?”
Heavenly Father, we ask that VBS be a catalyst for spiritual growth in each child’s life. May Your Word take root deeply, producing maturity in faith. Just as a tree planted by streams of water prospers (Psalm 1:3), let their spirits thrive under Your nurturing care. Help them apply Scripture to life—being kind, loving, and obedient at home, school, and church. Strengthen their prayer lives, guiding them to speak with You daily. Encourage them to memorize Bible verses and cherish their relationship with Christ. Holy Spirit, cultivate a lifelong passion for You in their hearts. Amen.
Prayer for Joy and Enthusiasm
“What prayer brings joy to little hearts?”
Joy-filled Father, we pray that Vacation Bible School is a place of delight and excitement. Let the joy of the Lord be their strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Fill every song sung, game played, and lesson learned with genuine enthusiasm. When children wake in the morning, may they run to VBS with anticipation. Let laughter abound in classrooms and hallways, reflecting the joy found in Your presence. Even in moments of tiredness or homesickness, revive them with fresh joy. Thank You for gifts, friendship, and spiritual discovery that ignite passion for You. Amen.
Prayer for Trust in God
“How do I help my child trust God at VBS?”
Faithful God, we pray that each child attending Vacation Bible School grows in unwavering trust in You. Like David, who declared in Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You,” let their faith overcome any worry. Teach them to depend on You—not on themselves or what others say. Whether facing a challenging new friend or difficult activity, may they lean fully on Your strength. Plant seeds of trust so deeply that even outside VBS, their confidence remains in Your faithfulness. Guide them to release control and rest in Your loving purposes. Amen.
Prayer for Obedience and Respect
“What prayer teaches kids obedience at VBS?”
Heavenly Father, Your Word reminds us in Ephesians 6:1–2, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” We pray for hearts ready to listen and follow directions from teachers and leaders at Vacation Bible School. Let obedience flow from a place of love and trust, not fear. Give them humility to respect authority and honor the rules that keep them safe and orderly. When correction is needed, help them receive it with grace and understanding. Holy Spirit, shape their character to reflect Christ’s obedience to You. May VBS be a training ground where they learn to submit joyfully to guidance. Amen.
Prayer for Creativity and Learning Through Play
“Can we pray for kids’ creativity at VBS?”
Creator God, You have given each child unique gifts and imagination. As they join in crafts, skits, and games, inspire their creativity for Your glory. Exodus 35:35 says You fill people “with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers… and weavers.” Bless their hands, minds, and words to create beautiful expressions of faith. Let their laughter and playtime teach lessons of teamwork, patience, and joy. Help them see that learning about You can be vibrant and fun. May each creative moment draw them closer to understanding Your Word and Your heart. Amen.
Prayer for a Clear Understanding of the Gospel
“How can I pray for kids to understand salvation?”
Lord Jesus, we pray that the message of the Gospel is crystal clear to every child at VBS. Romans 10:9 declares, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Remove any confusion, doubt, or distraction that clouds their minds. Speak directly to their hearts, Holy Spirit. Let them grasp the depth of Your love, the seriousness of sin, and the joy of forgiveness. May they not only understand salvation but receive it with bold faith. Amen.
Prayer for Peace and Calm in Transitions
“What prayer can help kids handle change at VBS?”
Prince of Peace, we ask for calm and comfort during all transitions—moving from worship to classes, snack times to crafts, or outdoor activities to closing. Philippians 4:7 promises “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” Let that peace guard their hearts and minds. Help them adjust easily to new routines, leaders, and environments. Protect them from overwhelm, homesickness, or shyness. Use transitions as opportunities for patience, teamwork, and listening. May each shift in activity remind them of the gentle, guiding hand of Jesus. Amen.
Prayer for Families of VBS Children
“Should I pray for families during VBS?”
Father God, we lift up the families of every child attending Vacation Bible School. Joshua 24:15 declares, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” May the seeds planted in children’s hearts take root at home, influencing conversations, attitudes, and habits. Strengthen parents and guardians with wisdom to nurture their child’s spiritual growth. Use VBS to open doors for families to connect with the church, join small groups, and commit to regular worship. Bless homes with unity, peace, and joy as Christ becomes central in daily life. Amen.
Prayer for Lasting Spiritual Impact
“How do I pray for lasting results from VBS?”
Eternal God, we pray that the lessons and memories of Vacation Bible School remain long after the final day. Isaiah 55:11 promises that Your Word will not return void but accomplish what You desire. Let every verse memorized, song sung, and prayer prayed bear eternal fruit. When challenges arise months later, remind these children of what they learned about Your power, love, and faithfulness. Keep their hearts soft, their spirits teachable, and their minds focused on Christ. Turn this week into a lifelong turning point toward deeper discipleship. Amen.
Prayer of Thanksgiving for VBS
“What’s a closing prayer for VBS?”
Gracious God, we thank You for every child, leader, volunteer, and parent who took part in this week of Vacation Bible School. Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” We praise You for safety, joy, friendships, and spiritual breakthroughs. Thank You for the opportunity to plant seeds of truth in young hearts. May Your name be glorified through all that was accomplished. Keep these children close to You, guiding their steps every day. We give You all the glory and honor for what You have done and will continue to do. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it important to pray for children at Vacation Bible School?
Prayer invites God’s presence, protection, and power into the lives of children, ensuring that spiritual seeds planted during VBS grow into lasting faith.
2. How can parents prepare their children spiritually for VBS?
Parents can read Bible stories together, pray over their child each morning, and encourage them to participate fully in activities.
3. Can prayers during VBS lead to salvation in children?
Yes. Many children accept Jesus during VBS because prayer opens their hearts to receive the Gospel clearly and personally.
4. What Bible verses are best for praying over children?
Psalm 91:11 for protection, Proverbs 22:6 for spiritual training, Philippians 4:7 for peace, and 2 Timothy 1:7 for courage are excellent choices.
Conclusion
Vacation Bible School may only last a few days, but its impact can echo through a lifetime. When we intentionally pray for children during this special week, we’re partnering with God in the spiritual work He’s doing in their lives.
The songs will fade, the crafts might get lost, and the games will be over—but the truths planted in their hearts through VBS and sealed in prayer can grow into a vibrant, lifelong faith. So, as a parent sending your child off each morning, a volunteer teaching a lesson, or a church member simply lifting names before the Lord, never underestimate the power of your prayers.
May these 15 prayers for children attending Vacation Bible School serve as your guide and encouragement. And as you pray, trust that God is listening, working, and delighting over every child He has placed in your path this week.
