The waning days of summer traditionally has meant the beginning of a new school year, along with shopping for supplies, meeting new teachers and classmates—it’s usually a hectic but promising time of year.
This year, however, many students, families and others face new circumstances and unusual challenges. Complications abound. Some schools are reopening but others are offering only online options. Some families have a choice, others don’t. For all the differences, though, one thing is common, everywhere and for everyone: we need prayer. Here are six short prayers for our new educational landscape.
1) God, grant wisdom and understanding to the public officials, school boards, superintendents, administrators and more who are juggling so many concerns and challenges for this coming school year. Shower them with creativity and clarity in all of the work they must do.
2) Lord, please have mercy on the parents and other caregivers of students who face perplexing situations and schedules. Help those who must juggle the task of providing for their families and their children’s need for education. Bring order out of confusion and hope from despair.
3) Heavenly Father, help students of all ages in the coming days, weeks and months. Encourage those who suffer from a lack of social interaction. Empower those who need help with online learning. Encourage those with special needs. And please keep them all safe and healthy while they learn.
4) Lord, you know the situations faced by teachers and tutors at this time, some of whom must enter the front lines, others who must learn new ways of teaching, and still others who must cope with idleness and uncertainty. Please come to them and strengthen them, granting fresh ideas and miraculous effectiveness in their workplaces and work challenges.
5) God, hear our prayers for school system personnel facing even more challenges than usual in their lives and livelihoods: custodial staff, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, and others. Provide for the unemployed and under-employed. Help those who are struggling. Grant relief to those who are overworked and encouragement to those who are overwhelmed.
6) For all of the above, Lord, please protect and preserve them physically, emotionally and mentally. Keep them safe and healthy; increase their strength and stamina now and in the future, in Jesus’ name, amen.
A Time to Act
Take time today to nourish your soul with beauty and silence.
A Time to Pray
Lord, let me see Your beauty in the beautiful things You have made.
A Time to Think
Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have.—Norman Vincent Peale
A Time to Act
When fear comes, counter it with an affirmation of faith.
A Time to Pray
Vanquish our doubts, Lord, and fill our hearts with faith and trust in You.