‘Tis the season for back-to-school shopping, checking off supply lists, implementing lesson plans, and adjusting to new classes and schedules.
Yet there is one thing you won’t find on the back-to-school checklist, but it is one of the most profound things you can do no matter what your connection to the school is this year – pray.
Here are some suggestions with the help of Scripture to pray for our community’s schools, teachers and students:
1. Pray with thankfulness. Be thankful for God’s providence shown through the educational institutions and resources available here and those willing to pour into our students. “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.” 1 Timothy 2:1.
2. Pray for wisdom. Applying well what is learned is a lifelong endeavor that can begin in the examples found in our homes and classrooms. “He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.” Proverbs 19:8
3. Pray for diligence. Beginning with a posture of gratitude and humility will lead to an eagerness to learn and work hard. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23.
4. Pray for protection. May school grounds not only be safe, but also be protected from evil and free from social pressures that question a person’s unique worth as created by God. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14.
5. Pray for love. May not only the students be able to discern between right and wrong, but be enamored by the love that is revealed through Jesus Christ, and in turn show that love to others. “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:9–10.
6. Pray for changed hearts. May there be opportunities for students to share their faith with others and that more in our community will hear the message of hope Christ brings. “They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.” Psalm 145:11–12.
7. Pray for joy. Pray that this can be a year that is not full of frustration and discouragement, but one filled with peace and satisfaction that is found in bringing all things before the Lord. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18.
There are so many more things that can be considered, but may this be the start of a school year bathed in prayer. “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18.