Discernment in Working with Parents

Dear Lord, as Christian teachers, we have many opportunities to set a godly example for the parents we work with. We praise You that You are our advocate, and we seek to imitate You by advocating for our students’ parents (Rom 8:26, 24b; Heb 4:14). We also look to You, our omniscient God who knows all we need at all times (Pv 5:21) and ask that You allow us to see and act on Your provision, for nothing good comes apart from You (Ps 16:2). In addition, we rejoice in You our mediator, Lord Jesus, and ask that You enable us to imitate you as we mediate for parents with their students (1 Tim 2:5-6; Heb 8:6, 9:15), helping their children to grow in wisdom, that they may be prepared to receive Your gospel by faith when You so choose.

Lord, when working with parents and their students, we need discernment. Praise You that the Spirit gives us discernment (John 14:17), using the word of God to enable us to stand firm by discriminating between good and evil, truth and lies (Heb 5:12-14; Eph 6:11,17; 1 John 2:20,26-27). As we go about each day, let us cling to You and walk in repentance and righteousness, held up with a willing spirit, so that we may help parents and their students see a godly example in our lives and crave this for themselves (Ps 51:10-13). Likewise, show us how we can empower parents to lead their children in righteousness. For those who are motivated only by worldly success, let us demonstrate the love and light of God that they desire to live according to Your ways (Mat 5:16; Rom 2:14; Mat 5:6). And, as we do this work, let us always remember that parenting is a difficult job and each child is different — parents need sympathy and empathy (Rom 12:16; Phil 2:1-8). Meanwhile, let their trials lead them to seek You with their whole hearts and find You as their Savior. (Mat 4:17; Eze 33:11; Acts 26:18; 1 Pet 3:8-12).

On our mission with You in schools, Lord, let us do Your good work by showing love, compassion, and kindness to everyone (John 13:34, Luk 6:36; Ps 103:8; Eph 4:32). Students need us to love them best by showing we care, even when caring means we must provide appropriate consequences – let us not shrink back from difficult decisions that lead to the best outcome for each one (Ps 119:71). Lord, guide us to follow through with communication which includes constructive and encouraging solutions (Heb 10:24). In the process of our communications, let us provide loving, timely feedback that amounts to the greatest benefit for each child (Ecc 8:11), and guide us to have a heart for collaboration with each parent, planning incentives and consequences together for the benefit of their children and their households. As we work together, let us keep our minds on You, seeking Your wisdom and gaining knowledge (Ps 111:10; Pv 21:11b).

Lord, in all these things, cause Your wondrous works to be remembered and allow the parents we work with to recognize that You are gracious and merciful (Ps 111:4). Finally, let us rest, knowing that that battle is Yours, Lord, and You will see it through in the end (Deut 20:4; 2 Chron 20:15; Pv 21:31).

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