Updated for back to school 2026.
Use these blessing of the backpacks ideas in your children’s ministry as kids go back to school. A backpack blessing gives kids a spiritual boost and reminds them that God goes back to school alongside them!
Churches often pray over kids’ backpacks as they go back to school
I love this time of year! Kids are headed back to school and back to church. Something about fall makes me think of big events and outreach ministries. We’ve done several back to school giveaways over the years, but the “Blessing of the Backpacks” event is dear to my heart. Here are the ideas that really worked.
Backpack Blessing Prayer (Printable Card)
Hand out laminated prayer cards for backpacks. These were part of our giveaway packets. Before kids left, we prayed this backpack blessing prayer together:
“Dear God, thank You for a new school year. Give me courage to do what’s right, kindness for new friends, and a mind that’s ready to learn. Help me remember my books, my locker combination, my homework — and the Golden Rule. As I grow in knowledge, teach me also about You, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”
After laminating the cards on cardstock, hole punch them and attach them to the backpack zipper with nylon cord or ribbon. Kids can tuck the prayer card inside their backpack or share it with a friend.
Bible Verses for a Blessing of the Backpacks
Print one of these on the back of your prayer cards, or read them during the blessing:
- Psalm 119:11 — “Your word I have treasured in my heart…” (carry God’s Word with you)
- Joshua 1:9 — “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”
More Blessing of the Backpacks Ideas for Church
Backpack Mix-Up Game: You can’t gather kids together and not have a game. If your kids bring their own backpacks, have them pile the backpacks at the front of the room. When you blow the whistle or start some upbeat music, kids run, grab their backpack, put it on, and run back to their seat. Give clear instructions: no pushing or shoving — and with bigger groups, send a few kids at a time instead of everyone at once. (If I see pushing, I freeze the game and we start over until we get it right.)
School Uniform Exchange: If your school district requires uniforms, start soliciting donations about a month before school starts — hand-me-downs in good condition, thrift store finds, or new uniforms. Organize them on tables and let parents stop by after the event. It helps a great deal!
School Supply Giveaway: Stock up on school supplies at the end of the previous school year, or grab them cheaply at discount stores before the event. Even inexpensive supplies like a pack of pencils or index cards are a big help to some families.
I hope these ideas help you bless your kids — and their backpacks!
Want a full five-week plan to follow your backpack blessing? See our new Backpack Blessings curriculum — or try a lesson first with the free 4-week sample pack.