Author: Joy Bennett

Refuge in Adversity

Featured Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, as Christian teachers we face adversity and trials in our personal lives, as well as our school lives. Yet, You are most certainly our place of security. You are the Most High, Almighty, LORD, God – what affirming reminders of Your sufficiency as our refuge! Let us abide in you, for then we are secure. Let us experience the immovable, unshakeable assurance that our fellowship with You, our enjoyment of You, our meditation upon You, our living, breathing, and resting in You, are immovable and will not even be paused in the moment of our transition from mortality to immortality, from time to eternity.

Lord, because You are our refuge, let us confidently commit ourselves and our concerns to You in trust. We desire to rest in Your perfect care regarding all natural and spiritual dangers. Lord, we know that in You we have all that we need or could ever desire. Help us fix our eyes upon You and know You rightly so that we may have firm trust in what You allow in our lives, recognizing that Your will is nothing to fear because You have promised us Your love and protection from now through eternity. Help us also to remember that You have promised to judge sin and You will faithfully handle all of the adversity that surrounds us. You have placed us under Your powerful protection now and forever and Your care abounds in fatherly love and fierce defense.

We pray also regarding our frequent fears, that You satisfy us with faith in You, with deep trust and tranquil confidence in Your promises. You remind us in Your Word that the world harbors many matters of evil: accidents, destructive forces, secret and blatant misconduct, spiritual forces of darkness and temptation, and invisible works of disease, death, and destruction. However, in Your all-sufficient refuge, we have a most comforting shield and a place of divine rest. 

Lord, for Christian teachers throughout the world we pray that You build our faith in Your blessed strength and presence on our behalf. Let us rest in You and may our witness as Your people be evident as we cling to You in the process. In Jesus’s Name, we pray. Amen. (Ps 91:1-5)

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Prayers for Our Administrators

Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, we come to You because You are the Lord of Lords (1 Tim 6:15), ruling over every leader on earth. We also recognize that our leaders’ hearts are a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; You turn them wherever You will (Pv 21:1) and we praise You.

Lord, because You choose who will lead Your people in every generation, we pray that You will establish godly leaders within our schools (Acts 15:14; Rev 5:9). Lord, guide them so that their decisions are governed by wisdom, making them inclined to gain more wisdom and making them wise unto salvation (Prov 24:3; 2 Tim 3:15).

Lord, we know that You care about our health and You are willing to bring healing (Mat 9:22; Luk 9:11) and we ask You to bring good health to our leaders so that they may serve with energy, clarity of mind, and be free from the distraction of health problems. Let them lead with equity, free from overly strict standards, enacting justice beyond normal justice, fulfilling the spirit and not just the letter of the law (Phil 4:5; Tit 3:2). Lord, it is You who provides us with everything we need for life and godliness.  We pray that You would guide our leaders to support Your people who work in schools, recognizing the excellent work and trustworthiness of each one, and may our administrators ultimately see that the power of Christian servants is from You (2 Cor 4:7; 2 Pet 1:3) and deserving of Your praise.

Lord, for our administrators, I pray that You would protect their time so that they can accomplish their responsibilities. The world is a great thief of time and administrative jobs, as all jobs in education, can produce an endless to-do list. Let each person in these positions have the support from others and discernment within to create needed space for accomplishing their tasks and putting off what doesn’t need to be done at the time (Hab 3:19; 2 Sam 22:34; Ps 18:32). Also, political powers, school boards, headstrong teachers, and parents are often forces that can be intimidating.  We pray that they would not fear man (Pv 29:25) but be dedicated to righteousness, ultimately fearing God and seeking to do Your will. With this, Lord, we ask that You give them wisdom in facilities safety and employee oversight, politics and financial matters, and social and legal concerns (Pv 24:3-7; Luk 2:52; Eph 1:17). 

It is also important that our leaders’ eyes be open to the deceitfulness of mankind and recognize how they should lead in any given situation and ask You, Lord, to reveal these things to them for Your ultimate glory in righteousness (Rom 13:3). Similarly, we pray that their priorities will be in line, elevating students’ physical and academic needs and resisting the driving forces and personal agendas that rise so regularly.

Finally, Lord, we pray for their personal lives and ask for a healthy blend of work and personal time. We ask for the well-being of their loved ones and that You orchestrate an ever-increasing desire for a personal relationship with Christ in each one. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

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Discernment in Working with Parents

Joy Bennett

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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Prayers for Safety in Schools

Joy Bennett

Oh God Most High (Ps 7:17), our refuge and strength, our very present help in times of trouble, let us be strong in our confidence in You, regardless of the dangers on earth. We praise You, Lord Jesus, for Your saving work on the cross and Your overcoming power in Your Resurrection. We know that we are immortal until You are finished working in us on earth (2 Tim 1:10). You indwell Your people, making Your holy habitation with us and our salvation immovable. You are in our midst, always protecting us, and melting the most severe concerns. LORD of hosts, we praise You for such care. LORD, let us have eyes to see Your mighty works: how You control everything on earth, bringing wars to an end, and crushing the weapons of mankind. Let us also be still, and know that You are God, exalted among the nations, exalted in the earth. Our LORD of all armies and warfare, You are with us, holding us fast in Your ultimate security (Ps 46).

Lord, we ask for Your divine protection over our schools, students, staff, and families. We cry out to You as Your children, those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, abiding in the shadow of the Almighty. Deliver us from all snares, plagues, and threats of destruction. Guard us in all our ways, let us walk in safety and protection. Remind us that, when we hold fast to You in love we are heard by You. You answer us when we call, You are with us in trouble, You rescue us and honor us, and with long life You will satisfy us, showing us Your salvation (Ps 91).

Thank You, Lord, that You go before us, causing us to dwell secure, at ease, and without dread of disaster (Prov 1:33). You are ever-present with Your people, keeping us secure on every side (Ps 139:5). Indeed we can think of no more secure a place than in the cover of Your majestic wings, just as the ark rested protected beneath the cherubim in the holy of holies (2 Chr 5:6-8). May You always be glorified as our protector and peace (Josh 24:17; Eph 2:14). In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Prayers for School Staff Meetings

Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, thank You that You alone are faithful, remaining true to Your Word (Is 25:1; 2 Tim 2:13). Let Christian teachers everywhere seek to be faithful to You in all we do, and we pray especially for our part in staff and committee meetings, and all matters of collaboration. We praise You that You are also wise, orchestrating everything according to Your perfect knowledge and goodness (Job 9:3-4; Dan 2:20, Rom 16:27). Remind us to ask You for wisdom, knowing that You will provide it, especially for accomplishing Your will as we interact with our peers and seek good for the children we work with (Jas 1:5-7). Lord we praise You that Your Holy Spirit was active in Christ’s ministry (Is 11:2; Luk 4:14) and that He gives believers spiritual gifts to strengthen and encourage the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:4-7,11). Let us use our gifts to build others up as we work together, honoring You in the power you provide. The mission field of teaching work, whether with students, staff, or parents, requires Your power and strength to be successful and give You glory.  

Throughout our meetings, Lord, let us use our time productively, exercising responsibility and diligence (Prov 15:19; 26:11-16). As Christians on mission in our schools, let us help others (Gal 6:2) and live at peace with even those who are most difficult to work with (Rom 12:18).  Let us be godly examples of purity in our speech, rejecting gossip (1 Tim 5:13). With this, let us live in harmony with others, not prideful or wise in our own eyes (Rom 12:16) but acting as genuine servants to those around us, building them up with sincere expressions of hospitality, welcoming and warmth (1 Pet 4:10; 1 Pet 4:9; Rom 15:7).

Finally, Lord, let us work in our meetings with all staff, students, and parents for Your glory (1 Cor 10:31; Rev 4:11). In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

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Professionalism in Teachers and Staff

Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to serve You in our schools and we ask that You especially guide Christian teachers to act professionally in their daily work. Let each one be reasonable in their interactions with others and in their private conduct. Let them be free from anxiety as they pray over each situation and go on with excellence to Your glory, building a successful learning environment for their students and an atmosphere of support and encouragement with colleagues, administrators, parents, and community members (Phil 4:5-9).

 As we go out into the lost world each day, let each teacher set themselves apart for You as holy and mature, emotionally predictable, and thorough in their work, yet setting healthy boundaries, free from gossip, negativity, laziness, or disengagement (1 Pet 1:14-16; Mat 5:48). 

Finally, Lord, show us how to honor our leaders (Rom 13:1-7) and pray for them to make pleasing decisions in Your sight. When leaders are out of alignment with You, Lord, let us stay at Your feet, gathering wisdom and acting according to Your good pleasure (Phil 2:12-15).

Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness to all Christian teachers. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen. 

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Serve Well in Your Mission Field

Joy Bennett

Thank You, God, for Your work in Christian teachers all over the world – we recognize that it is You Who work in Your people to will and to act according to Your good purpose. Let us keep our eyes open to the daily opportunities to show love to our students and do Your work with zeal and a fervent spirit on the mission field of these schools so that everyone will recognize us as Your disciples.

Let us show hospitality to our students and fellow staff, without grumbling. According to the gifts we have received from You, let us serve one another, as good stewards of Your varied grace: let us speak carefully, using truth wisely, let us serve in the strength that You supply, and let everything we do glorify You through Jesus Christ. May our classrooms and our personalities be welcoming to each student, providing encouragement for them, and engaging them in learning that they may see the light of Christ in our lives.

Finally, when there are Christian students in our classrooms or faith-filled staff members in our midst, let us be aware of their faith and provide them with spiritual encouragement when the time is right. Thank You for the opportunity to serve in these ways, Lord Jesus. Amen. Phil 2:13; Rom 12:10-11; John 13:14, 34, 35; 1 Pet 4:8-11; 2 Cor 4:6; Phil 2:1-2.

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Prayers for Teachers with Crisis at Home

Joy Bennett

Thank You, Lord, that You have seen our needs and You are The Great Provider (Gen 22:14), willing and able to meet every need of Your children, past, present, and future. We praise You for answering our prayers and supplying our desires according to Your perfect knowledge (Job 22:22-27). Lord, we thank You that when we see our situations as extreme, You see opportunity (Rom 5:3-5). We know that You never stop working, Lord, so let Your glory be seen in each of our lives when we are facing a crisis at home (Jud 1:25; Rom 8:18).

As we navigate our daily responsibilities at school, help us express humble honesty with staff and students, being wise in our actions and allowing Your power to shine brightest in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9; Pv 11:3; 18:12). Keep our hearts focused on You, strong in hope, and infuse us with supernatural energy to accomplish the work before us, at home, and work (Is 40:31).

We praise You for this mission field, Lord, and that though we cannot see tomorrow, You hold it faithfully in Your hand, dispensing sufficient grace to us, day by day (Pv 19:21; 27:1; Jer 29:11; 2 Cor 12:9). Bless each brother and sister with an awareness of this precious gift as they navigate home responsibilities and decisions. 

When there are countless phone calls, critical decisions, piles of paperwork, and intensely emotional conversations, Father, You are at our sides in all Your glory (Heb 13:5). We pray for You to assure Your children of Your power at work in them and Your presence to comfort them as You exercise Your wisdom over the circumstances of their lives. Lord, bring about Your perfect will in their situation, lavishing Your peace upon each one (Ps 46:1,10-11; 68:28;139). Let us be deeply grateful for all that belongs to our lives – for every high and low because You direct all these things for good and we could not have done without any of them and still have this deeply enjoyed You. Praise You, dear LORD. Amen.

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Feeling Displaced and Uncertain

Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, we pray for Christian teachers who may feel displaced today. We pray against loneliness, uncertainty, and fear because You are our keeper (Ps 121:5), ever-present and ministering to our souls (Ps 139:7-10). 

For those who feel like they are strangers or suffer from Imposter Syndrome, let them be assured in their identity in Christ, remembering that they are no longer strangers and aliens with You, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God (Eph 2:19), called to their place of ministry (Eph 2:10) and empowered by You Who made heaven and earth (Jer 32:17;27).

For those who do not have fellowship with other believers because they are new to an area or because there is no local church to sustain them, let them find they have the ultimate fellowship with You which provides all they need (2 Cor 13:14; Phil 2:1). Build them up through Christian radio, theologically sound books and podcasts, and conversations with people of faith in other locations. In this time of suffering, encourage their hearts that this can cause them to cling to God as never before and result in spiritual growth (Rom 5:3-5) and deeper fellowship with You. Lord, minister to these believers, reminding them that they possess an immovable union with Christ, that they are led by Your Spirit and they have communion with You at all times (1 John 1:3; 1 Cor 6:17). During solitary meals or isolation in their classrooms, remind their hearts that they are at home in You and let them find rest for their souls in Your Word (Ps 62:5; 1 Pet 5:10; Ps 119:114,162).

Lord, in this time of isolation or uncertainty, we pray that You reveal to our displaced brothers and sisters that they are blessed by You because they will discover Your goodness and grow in their ability to trust in You (Pv 16:20b). Let our Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom You send us in Christ, remind them of everything You have said to them in Your Word, leading to a rich and rewarding peace from You alone (John 14:26-27). 

Finally, Lord, remind them of these ten blessings from Romans 5:1-5: (1) We stand before You in purity, just as if we had never sinned (2) You give us peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (3) You give us access by faith into this grace, helping us stand (4) You set our minds to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God to be displayed in our everyday circumstances (5) You let us rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance (6) You work endurance which produces character (7) You create character in us which produces hope in our daily walk (8) Your hope does not put us to shame here on earth (9) Your love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (10) The Holy Spirit has been given to us, indwelling us, marking us, preserving us, empowering us, setting us apart in holiness, and counseling us. 

Let each one rest in You through these great promises. Praise You, Lord. Amen.

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Provision for Students’ Needs

Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, we are all in great need of You and Your grace (1 Sam 2:7-8), for nothing good comes apart from You (Ps 16:2). We humbly ask for Your powerful guidance as we proceed from day to day (Ps 143:10). 

Lord, open our eyes to see the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of our students (2 Pet 1:3) and give us hearts to pray and serve them well, for it is You alone who have the power to meet these needs (Phil 4:19). Energize our minds to stay current with planning and grading and to provide feedback and accountability (Ps 3:3-5). As we work with our students each week, give us a passion for getting to know each one, finding the weak and strengthening them, providing for the sick, binding up the injured, and building relationships with those who stray (Ez 34:1-10). Make us mindful of resources we can provide to those in physical, mental, and emotional need. Even more, let us pray diligently for their spiritual need because Your eternal storehouses have full provision for our every need (Mat 14:13-21; Mat 15:29-39; Num 27:15-18). 

Lord, strengthen our faith and direct our thinking so that we show each of our students, and their families, Your love, compassion, mercy, and care, so that You may be glorified in the work we do as Christian teachers (Mat 5:16; Rom 4:20). Their private lives are often invisible to us and when we are intentional to reach out, we learn of their struggles and can serve them better (1 King 17:8-16). In all these things, Lord, let us seek to do Your work, by Your power, by meeting the needs of our students and even their families (Neh 9:5-6). Let Your power work consistently through us for the greatest kingdom outcomes. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

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All for God’s Glory

Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, we look to You and express our desire to give You the honor and the glory You deserve in our daily work as teachers. Let our prayer come before You as sweet incense and let our worship bless Your Name (Ps141:2). Let us constantly renew our minds through Your Word, being transformed and thereby serving You well. When we step into our daily position as teachers, we ask You to keep our focus on You, so that we may discern what is good and acceptable and perfect, everything according to Your will (Rom 12:2). Lord, help us keep our eyes on You, being patient with Your processes in our lives and the lives of our students. 

As we look to You alone for the strength, creativity, and classroom management needed in our spaces, we thank You that You will renew our strength, flying high, running with energy, and walking the distance with endurance (Is 40:31). Lord, we pray for Christian teachers everywhere to be intentionally and consistently focused on You, pressing on toward the goal which is the prize of our upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14). May Your glory O LORD endure forever (Ps 104:31). 

Let us have hearts and minds set on You, singing praise to You and meditating on You consistently (Ps 104:33-34). Our eyes are toward You, O GOD, our Lord (Ps 141:8). All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD. Let us bless You in our lesson planning, instructions, and conversations, shining as lights in the darkness that the glory of Your kingdom and power may be perceived by our students and fellow staff members. Let our focus be so completely on You that our students realize Your mighty deeds and the glorious splendor of Your everlasting kingdom (Ps 145:10-13). 

O great Lord, You alone are greatly to be praised. May we work out our salvation through faithfulness in our work, recognizing that it is You who works in us both to will and to work for Your good pleasure (Phil 2:12-13). Let us do our work with the singular purpose of making a difference in Your kingdom, aligning ourselves with Your mission. Thank You, Lord, God. Amen.

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Prayer for Renewal

Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, we pray for every Christian teacher who is experiencing distress. Classroom environments as well as work with staff periodically place us in difficult circumstances. At times we feel confined but we need You to speak truth to each one of us. We can rest assured that You are in charge, even in tough situations. Remind us that it is good that You reveal our limitations and simultaneously prove Your limitless abilities. No person or problem can separate us from the love of Christ (Rom 8:35,37-39). For those experiencing distress due to their own sin, Lord I pray that You reveal their sin to them, bring them to repentance, and let them experience freedom and joy again.

Lord, let Your Word provide renewal for the minds of every Christian teacher. Let each one wait on You and renew their strength, mounting to new heights as an eagle with great wings (Is 40:31). Lord, You allow the difficult things that come into each of our lives but also give us the grace to honor You in obedience as we navigate each moment, running and not growing weary, walking for the distance but not growing faint. In this strength that You provide, Lord, let us glorify You in our classrooms and prepare the hearts of our students by leading them to truth by our example.

Lord, we pray for the times when our jobs seem unachievable and we feel remorse because we cannot bring each student to the place of learning we want for them. In these times, remind each of us that You cause all things to work together for good to those who love You and who are called according to Your purpose. When life’s varying situations appear to be moving backward, let us trust that You are causing even the difficult things to work for good (Rom 8:28).

Finally, Lord, for those who are considering moving from their current position because the stress has overwhelmed them, we pray for wisdom, discernment, discretion, good judgment, and self-control. We pray that You create a space for them to continue to serve You for Your glory and that You lead them to glorify You as they make decisions. May You be honored and glorified in the lives of our Christian teachers, Lord. Amen.

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Commitment to Serve Amidst Apathy

Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, You designed the earth and humanity to be fruitful and productive. We long for You to make things return to Your perfect design.  Meanwhile, many of our students struggle more and more with a lack of motivation to participate in educational efforts. Lord, we ask You to give them a sense of curiosity. Open their hearts to wisdom and let them learn from us. Let our students have softened hearts and let them gain knowledge so they will become active members of society. 

Meanwhile, Lord, do not let the apathy of our students reduce our commitment to serve You on this mission field. Let us extend Your love and thoughtful care to all students, especially those who are resistant. Please fill us with Your patience also, giving us the grace to wait as for rains upon crops, establishing our hearts in trust of Your perfect timing for each concern, keeping us steadfast, and allowing us to imitate Your compassion and mercy toward each student. In these things, we know our labor for Your glory is never in vain.

Finally, Lord, let us prepare thoughtful lessons, considering how to stir up one another to love and good works. Let us, by our example of a godly life, faithfully point their hearts to desire Your ways that they may have hearts of flesh and not hearts of stone, rightly prepared to receive the gospel when You determine the time.  Thank you, Lord, that You care deeply for all people.  Let us do the same and give You the honor You deserve. Amen. (Lk 8:18; Mt 5:48; Jas 5:7-11; 1 Cor 15:58; Eph 5:1; Heb 10:24; Ez 36:26).

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Words of Love Have the Power to Heal

Joy Bennett

Precious LORD, thank You for the gift of speech.  Lord, as we speak each day, we recognize our words hold the power to heal, to love, to encourage.  

But we also face temptations to use our words in destructive ways.  Please help us to be intentional in blessing others with our words.  Let them be governed by gentle honesty and compassion.  Help us use our words to pray well for our students and to point them to ethical and moral behavior through our instruction. 

Let our speech be gracious at all times, giving gifts and building others up. Along with encouragement toward others, we know that our speech must sometimes be seasoned with salt and that can look two different ways: at times, we need to speak savory, deep words.  At other times, our words must fit the metaphor of salt which kills the ground as we provide correction to our students or point out errors to those around us.  Lord God, give us the courage to trust You with the outcome in difficult times like this, knowing that You honor our obedience when we act accordingly. 

Finally, Lord, let us know the best answer to give others when we are asked about our faith. In our hearts, let us honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks us for a reason for the hope that is in us; yet doing it with gentleness and respect. Go before us each day, Lord, and let our words be Your words for Your glory. Amen. (Rom 12:3-8; 1 Thess 5:11; Col 4; 1 Pet 3:15).

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Healthy Teachers Gain Strength from God

Joy Bennett

Faithful Lord, we look to You for the provision of everything we need. Each year, teachers give hours upon hours of their time and often neglect their own needs. We pray for their spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health. Where there is sin, we pray You to grant them repentance. 

Where there is any suffering and need for healing, we pray that You intimately speak to that person’s heart, helping them understand that You truly experienced all of the worldly suffering we will ever experience and You know exactly what we are going through. In the fellowship of their suffering, may they freshly appreciate Your nearness and comfort, and may their souls, minds, emotions, and bodies be healed by the power of Your Holy Spirit in the process. 

Lord, we ask for Your mercy in suffering and that You become a refuge for those in need. Let their souls trust in You and experience Your strength on their behalf. We praise You, Lord, for Your faithfulness to Your people in every hour of need. Let each one glorify You and submit their bodies to You as temples of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen. (Mal 4:2; Ps 57:1; Ps 6:2; 1 Cor 6:19).

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God’s Will in Schools

Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, we thank You that You are all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. Thank You that Your love and mercy are never separate from the hard things that You allow in our lives and schools.

Lord, we lift every teacher, student, and administrator in our schools and ask that Your perfect will be accomplished in each of these areas. Lord, give teachers creative ideas for incorporating truth into their classrooms, thus softening their students’ hearts for preparation to receive the gospel when You present it to them. We ask for Your power to be magnified so that countless hearts turn to You in faith. 

We ask that You infuse Your people with wisdom in their interactions with unbelievers. Pour out Your favor on Your people and be exalted, Lord.

We ask that Your presence be such a divine comfort to Your servants in each role that they would have increased freedom to minister according to Your purposes in each school. Lord, let Your people be a city on a hill that cannot be hidden, shining brightly, illuminating sin for the sake of drawing people to repentance and salvation. Lord, open the eyes of Your people to see the needs of others they can pray for. And, let Your people find one another and build one another up in Your Word and in prayer for the mission field of education. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Amen. Josh 4:24; Prov 5:21; Ps 46:1; Jer 31:3; Lam 3:22-23; Mt 5:14

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Prayers for Healing a Student

Joy Bennett

Dear LORD, today I pray for this child and family. Lord, You are the healer of our souls and bodies, and we cry out to You for Your perfect hand of healing on this child’s body. Lord, we pray for the right medication that will bring healing. Let this child’s body respond well to it and bring restoration. 

Lord, I pray for every need, even things the caregivers may be unaware of, and place these things in Your capable hands for care and restoration. Lord, I ask You to work in such a mighty way in this child’s life that You receive glory in the eyes of as many people as possible. 

Father, I pray for special comfort and the peace that passes all understanding for this child, the parents, and the rest of their family as they go through this difficult time. Bless their time as a family, provide for them financially, and give them peace regarding days missed at work and school. 

Lord God, You oversee all the hardships in our lives with a heart of mercy and love toward us, even though we cannot see what You are doing behind the scenes. But we praise You that You promise that You cause all things to work together for good to those who love You, to those who are called according to Your purpose, and we ask You for the grace to worship You and give You thanks for Your presence, Your power, Your wisdom, and Your love through even the most difficult times. 

Lord, let this family recognize Your loving hand at every turn through this time. Lord, we also pray that You speak directly to the hearts and minds of the doctors, giving them the wisdom You have for healing. Father, please also attend to things at home during travel, give rest to this family, and allow them to find comfort in Your Word even moment by moment. Thank You, Lord Jesus. In Your Name, Lord Jesus we pray, Amen. Rom 8:28-29; Mt 4:23; Mt 9:35; Phil 4:6-7; 1 Pet 5:7; Jer 31:3; Ps 91:1-16.

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