Whether you have a student in your life heading back to the classroom this year or not, teachers, students, parents, and community members all need the power and compassion of your prayers.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.”
Philippians 4:6&7
Take a few minutes to offer up this prayer on behalf of your community this year:
Father God,
Thank you that you invite me to talk to you through prayer. As the children in my church and home and community head back to the classroom, I ask for protection over them. Place a hedge of protection around each of them. Be with our teachers. Help them feel valued and appreciated. Give them fresh ideas, deep compassion, and a renewed spirit for teaching and guiding and leading our young people. For the parents in my community, help those moms and dads who are struggling with fear about the school year. Be with those and give your peace to parents who are faced with marital, financial, and personal challenges. Father, I ask that you provide in abundant measure the wisdom and patience these parents need for their individual children.
I know, Lord, that this next generation is precious to you, and I know that they face a world unlike any before. Equip them with strength and great ideas. Remove anything that would hinder them from their futures. And I ask that each of them have someone in their lives who lets them know that you love them and that you care for them.
I ask these things in the name of Jesus, amen.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Colossians 3:12
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Julie Lyles Carr is a best-selling author, podcaster, and entrepreneur living in Austin, Texas, with her husband Mike Carr. They have eight kids, two unfriendly cats, and an antique dachshund.