As our schools begin their new year, I invite you to join me in this petition to our Heavenly Father. I know there are many concerns, so let us not be “anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let [our] requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6).
Father we bring our anxiety and worries before Your throne and cast them into Your loving hands to carry our burdens. We have many fears and burdens as we begin our schools. This year has looked like none other, but we know our children need education, recreation, athletic competition, and friendship. We love our children and we know You love children as they have a special place in Your Divine heart. We ask You to protect them physically. Give them an appreciation for the value and importance of school. Father, we pray for all of the changes and adjustments they will have to deal with this year. Give them patience, kindness, respect, and cooperation. We pray for their growth in knowledge, faith, wisdom, and stature. We pray for all our students; including traditional, virtual, special needs, and preschool.
Father we pray for our teachers. Grant them courage and strength. Help them to feel the support of their community. May they willingly fulfill their irreplaceable role during a challenging and trying time that requires adaptation, patience, and extra kindness. We pray for their protection. Grant them the ability to meet each child’s unique needs for love, education, and value despite the diverse ways of teaching and never-before-seen circumstances of their teaching.
Father we pray for the administrators. Thank you for the wisdom and courage they have demonstrated. Help them to lead with compassion, understanding, insight, and vision. Bless their decisions. Be with the superintendents, principals, and school board members as they play their essential roles, help them to look to You for strength and direction.
Father, last we pray for the parents and grandparents. Grant them your peace and security. Give them wisdom in words and actions to know best how to guide their children through these times.
Father, we thank You for listening. Help us to walk in faith, not fear. Help us to love, not hate. Help us to give, more than we take. Help us to give grace, not judgment. Help us to live righteously, not wickedly. In Christ’s name we pray, AMEN.
