5 Powerful Prayers to Transform School CommunitiesSýnishorn

God Defends                                                    

All eyes were riveted to checkout lane #2. Aghast at the carelessly dressed father’s booming voice, all of us shoppers were shocked at his shaming, berating, and accusing of his pre-teenaged son for no apparent reason. I felt so helpless, embarrassed for this young man, and angered at this father. I wondered, “If this is how this man acts in public, what must life be like for his family behind closed doors?” In retrospect, I wished my fervent prayers had been accompanied by a word of defense or protection, love or caring. But we were all simply paralyzed. I know that hurt people hurt people and that this family desperately needs Jesus. And I pray to that end. I am so thankful that God, our Heavenly Father, is never paralyzed as He defends us. He sees the student sitting alone at recess in an attempt to avoid the bully and the teacher heading home once again to an abusive spouse. God sees, He cares and He defends.

Today, as we pray powerful prayers to transform school communities we look to God, our strong defender, to speak for and not against each person in our buildings and for all families in our district.

Let’s pray today, praising God who is our defender, and for hearts to experience His defense.

Praise God, Our Defender!

“I will defend this city and save it.” Isaiah 37:35

We praise You, our defender. You alone know the battle raging for our school community, our city, and our nation in both the visible and invisible realms. You alone have the power and desire to defend and save us. Thank You, God!

Pray for Hearts to Experience God’s Defense

We read in Psalm 72:4 “He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy…”                      

Lord, we ask that each person in our school district will experience You as their defender, especially those who are the children of the needy. Physical, mental, and emotional needs abound; needs for hope, friendship, purpose, focus, provision, love, and forgiveness. Defend them against unkind words and actions; hopelessness and despair; selfishness and pride.

 Pray for Hearts to Experience God as Spiritual Defender

“If anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”  I John 2:1

Jesus, You offered Yourself on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins. You speak to the Father in our defense. Although not addressed in our schools, forgiveness, and reconciliation with our Creator are our greatest needs. May students and staff come to trust in You as their savior and defender who speaks for them, not against them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.