Homeschool Prayer Challenge Week 28: Plan for Peace

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We’re 28 weeks into our series of praying for our homeschools – I’m so thankful you are joining me! You can learn more about the series here. We’ll pray about a new area of our homeschool journey each week and dig into God’s Word with daily devotional reflections.

As I’m writing this, it’s that time of year when many of us homeschool moms are in planning mode—thinking through schedules, selecting new curriculum, and mapping out the year ahead.

With so many practical plans to make, I came across a verse that really made me pause and reflect:

Proverbs 12:20 (ESV) — “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.”

That contrast in the verse stood out to me—on one hand, those who scheme and stir up trouble, and on the other, those who plan for peace and experience joy. And it made me ask: What does it actually look like to plan peace in our everyday homeschool lives?

When you look at other translations, this verse is often phrased as “counselors of peace” or “those who counsel peace.” I looked up “counselor” in an online concordance, and it can mean to advise, consult, purpose, devise, and yes—plan.

The word “peace” includes ideas like completeness, soundness, welfare, safety, health, tranquility, contentment, and friendship—with others and with God.

So someone who “plans peace” is someone who purposes to promote those things. A mom who is intentional about fostering peace in her heart, in her home, and in her homeschool.

This reminded me of a conversation I had with my five-year-old the other day—he came to me upset about something with his sister. But it was clear he wasn’t looking for help; he wanted her to get in trouble. So I asked him something I’ve picked up from Ginger Hubbard’s parenting resources:

“Are you trying to promote peace, or stir up strife?”

It made him stop and think. Then I followed it up with another question: “How could you show love and pursue peace in this situation?”

That’s what I want to be doing too—looking for ways to promote peace, not only between my kids but in my own heart and relationships.

So what does it mean to plan peace in our homeschools? Here are a few practical ways we can purposefully pursue peace this week:

• Create a peaceful environment. Plan for a clean, organized space that makes learning enjoyable and less stressful.
• Start with God. Begin each day with quiet time or prayer to set a tone of peace with God and with each other.
• Establish expectations. Clear, consistent routines help everyone feel more secure and prevent unnecessary conflict.
• Foster emotional wellness. Make time to nurture your kids’ hearts, take breaks when needed, and respond with kindness.
• Watch your tone. Even during challenging subjects, choose to encourage and speak life.
• Plan service. Acts of kindness and community involvement bring purpose and cultivate peace.
• Connect with others. Seek out support and friendship within your homeschool community.
• Make time for fun. Field trips, hobbies, and rest are just as important as academics.

When we intentionally pursue peace, God promises that joy will follow. And when we don’t feel peaceful, let’s turn our eyes to Jesus, remember all He’s done, and thank Him.

So this week, let’s be homeschool moms who purpose to promote peace—with our kids, our husbands, our friends, and ourselves. Let’s reflect Christ in how we lead our homes and love our families.

A Prayer for This Week

Heavenly Father, 

I’m amazed when I think about your omniscience and your power. As much as I try to plan and control our homeschool and my life, You have numbered my days and have a plan for me that I know is always good. I am so thankful you have revealed this to me in Your Word, and the comfort it provides.

In the busyness of homeschool life, my words and actions are not always peaceful, and it’s easy to become inward-focused. You have given me a responsibility to pursue and cultivate peace with others. Show me where I need to make more of an effort to do so, and guide me in leading my children to pursue peace with others as well.

Thank you for the joy that comes when we plan for and promote peace in our homeschools.

I love You, Lord, and pray that I may be a counselor of peace and reflect Christ in my homeschool this week.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

Join the Challenge

Finally, if you want to join in on the challenge from the very beginning, make sure to sign up below, and you’ll receive a printable prayer and journal pages each week, right to your inbox. Join in any time, and you’ll start the following Monday with Week #1!

Simply click below, follow the instructions, and you’re in.

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