Habit of Hope: Praying for the MarketplaceChikamu

Pray for Education 

Have you been in a classroom lately? Not for parent teacher conferences, open house or freshman orientation, but a real live class in session. If you have, you realize that educators at every level, are gifted leaders. They show up every day not only to teach, but to inspire, love, guide, correct and encourage their students. Then they work long after the final bell rings. Many carry their work home, making sure they are ready for the next day. Most, if not all, I assure you, could make more money doing something else.

They are on the front lines of where our civilization goes and what it becomes. If there is anyone who needs Paul’s prayer for the Philippians prayed over them, it is our educators. “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Educators need a deep and abiding sense that, “The Lord is near.” He is near when they are modifying the curriculum to meet specific needs. He is near when crafting lessons that meet state standards. He is near every time they sit on the carpet to read aloud to their students. But the demands of their environment can drown out that good news.

May we lift up everyone in the educational system in prayer during these challenging times. Express your gratitude for them. Send them a note. Drop off a sweet surprise on their porch. Let us put action to the prayers we pray on their behalf. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we ask that you encourage and protect our students, teachers, and professors. We pray for those who work at or attend colleges and universities. We ask for your provision for the hourly employees like school bus drivers, custodians, and school cafeteria workers. And give wisdom to administrators that they find ways to keep low-income students safe and fed. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.