A Prayer for Your Child's Upcoming IEP Meeting

IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings are something many parents approach with a mix of anxiety and dread. Sitting down with teachers, specialists, and school staff to discuss your child’s progress and needs can feel overwhelming. The responsibility of advocating for your child—making sure they receive the right support, services, and accommodations—can feel daunting and stressful. Seeing the results of testing done on your child, or the amount of progress your child has made on previous goals, can stir up grief.

As both a former middle school English teacher and a mom of two sons in public school with special needs, I’ve been on both sides of the IEP table. Over the years, I’ve come to genuinely appreciate these meetings. I look forward to connecting with the team supporting my children, hearing the strengths they see, and working together to address the areas where my kids are struggling. While it can be hard to hear about weaknesses, it’s also encouraging to know that we’re not alone—we’re part of a team working toward the same goal.

But I didn’t always feel that way. There were years when I walked into those meetings for my sons with a knot in my stomach and tears close to the surface. So if you’re feeling nervous or overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and this prayer is especially for you.

Below is a Scripture-filled prayer to help center your heart and mind as you prepare for your child’s IEP meeting. Fill in the blanks with your child’s name/response to the prayer prompt.

Heavenly Father,

As I prepare for this IEP meeting, I come before You, the One who created ___ with purpose and intention. You promise that “all the days ordained for ___ were written in Your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16), and I believe that.

Your Word commands us to “be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever I go” (Joshua 1:9). I admit right now I’m feeling ___ . But I’m so thankful that You are with me, and that You will be with me at that IEP meeting.

Fill my heart with Your peace. Your Word says “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You” (Isaiah 26:3). Calm my racing thoughts. Quiet the what-ifs and worst-case scenarios, and anchor me in Your steadfast love.

Give me wisdom that goes beyond what I know. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5). I ask You now: give me insight into my child’s needs, and help me discern what is best—not just what is easiest or most available.

I thank You that You are our great Advocate, and I thank You that You will be with me as I advocate for ___ . Thank You that You will equip me everything I need at this meeting. “For in Christ I have been enriched in every way, in all my speaking and in all my knowledge” (1 Corinthians 1:5). When I speak, may I advocate for my child with both boldness and gentleness. May Your Spirit guide my words.

Help me to see everyone in that room through Your eyes. Remind me that they, too, are made in Your image—even when we disagree. Help me to see that we are all on the same team of helping ___ succeed. If it is possible, help me live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18) in that IEP meeting. Let me be a light in that room. Be with the hearts and minds of every person in that room. I specifically pray for ___ .

Thank You for going with me to this meeting. “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:8).Thank You for being our Emmanuel, God with me, at that IEP table, in every decision that is to be made.

And thank You for the gift of my child. No label, no plan, no services can define ___ — only You can. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). I entrust this meeting—and every outcome—to Your good hands. You are sovereign and in control and I thank You that are. You love ___ more than I do, and I thank You for such love.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.