Mission Field of Education – Planted by Streams

Ambassadors for Christ

Welcome Back to School cursive written on a blackboard.

Dear Lord,

We thank You that You are at work in our schools, calling Your people to Yourself. In Your love and faithfulness, You have reconciled us to Yourself and given us the ministry of reconciliation. Lord, You are even reconciling the world to Yourself, not counting their sins against them. Because You have entrusted us with this message and called us to be ambassadors for Christ, we ask You to powerfully make Your appeal through us this school year (2 Cor 5:16-20).

As we plan, let us see where we can leave the door open for Your truth to shine through. Guide us to be mindful of opportunities when we can point our students to desire Your ways. Give us words, ready on our lips, to glorify You in all of our instruction and interactions. Lord, we praise You for the opportunities You give us. Shine Your light brightly through us as we go about our work. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Know the Truth and Teach it Well

June 18, 2024 Joy Bennett

Lord, we praise You that Your Word is truth and You are unable to lie. We thank You for Your holy perfection and eternal commitment to leading Your people to faith and salvation.

Lord, for each Christian teacher, let us commit to knowing Your truth and teaching it for the sake of Your elect and their knowledge of the truth. Guide each of Your people who work in schools to be sold out for You and committed to creating opportunities to share the truth of Who You Are with their students. May the students clearly see Christ in each of us and desire an eternal relationship with You because of Your grace at work within our lives. We specifically ask that You help us plan our lessons, words of encouragement, classroom management plans, and each interaction to reflect Your truth, values, and commands. Work in our hearts so that we are fully convinced and prepared to point our students to the plumbline of Your Word and commands by our own proper adherence to Your standards. Change the hearts of our children to seek You and serve You all their days. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Titus 1:1-3

Worthy of Praise

Featured Joy Bennett

Praise the Lord

Lord, we exalt You for Your forgiveness and that You do not hold Your anger forever but delight in mercy. We also rejoice in Your lovingkindness toward Your people. Thank You that You are great beyond anything we can imagine, gracious in Your compassionate gifts, and always good in Your actions.

Prayer for Teachers

We humbly ask You, Lord, to keep our eyes on the truth of Who You Are for Your people as we go about our daily tasks. Many of our students have struggles that affect us and we need to cultivate genuine hearts of praise toward You Who alone are all that is good and worthy of glory. Guide us to remember, especially in our worst moments, that we are forgiven by You. Give us a firm grasp of Your everlasting love for us and how You draw us to Yourself with lovingkindness. Open our eyes to how You are at work in love even during difficulties. Let us rehearse Your greatness as we take one step at a time through complex decisions and experience the effects of sinful people. We know that we will have peace that passes all understanding when we consider all that is praiseworthy in Your character. Help us to seek You in good times and bad, recalling Your lavish gifts of grace to us as Your beloved children. May we never doubt Your goodness and plans for our benefit throughout our challenges.

Deut 3:24; Ps 31:19; 116:5; Is 30:18; Jer 31:3; Micah 7:18-19; Phil 4:8

Prayer for Perseverance

Featured Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, we thank You for Your call upon our lives and for the power of Your Holy Spirit at work within us. We worship You for all You are and especially adore You for Your ever-present help and Your regenerating work within us. With these, Lord Jesus, we thank You that You pray for us constantly, along with the Holy Spirit, knowing the depths of our needs better than we do. What a blessed privilege we have in You, precious Lord.

We pray for perseverance in our walk with You. As believers in general and in our calling as teachers, let us embrace the challenges set before us, knowing that we’re drawn closer to You through each one. Lead us to Your Word of encouragement, and a deeper knowledge of You as we continue. When life is painful, teach us to call on You as Your beloved children, trusting Your love will see us through. When we’re faced with challenges, fatigue, confusion, or despair, energize us through Your Holy Spirit to work for Your glory until all is complete. Remind us that we have access to You by faith and rejoice that You hear and attend to our prayers. Let us celebrate Your promises for us during times of suffering: endurance, character, and hope are Your gifts to us in each situation. Similarly, give us hearts to praise You that our faith steadfastly grows during challenges. You alone accomplish these beautiful gifts, Lord. Be glorified in our lives as we continue in our work. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen

Rom 5:2-5; 2 Thes 1:3-4

God is Blameless, Do Not Complain

Featured Joy Bennett

Without a word, without complaint

In His Hands,

Leave all the things you cannot

Understand

~K.R. Hagenbach

Dear Lord, You are Holy, Righteous, and Sovereign. Praise You for Your all-knowing, completely perfect character. Much more, we thank You for saving us, forgiving all of our sins, past, present, and future. Thank You for providing justification for us so that we can stand in Your presence and interact with You as Your children: loved, protected, and cared for with deep compassion.

We pray for teachers everywhere to let go of complaining because it sows the seeds of discontent in the speaker as well as the listener. Lord, especially for teachers who are in the Body of Christ, we pray for Your power to guide their thoughts and words so they trust You with each situation at hand. Working with people in any job can give opportunity for complaint. But, God, You have called us to a higher standard in which we rest in Your providence. Praise You Lord for how you provide for every moment and situation. You see to each need in our lives with a loving hand that promises to work all things together for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.

You have placed us in schools to be Your lights in the world. With each new day, we encounter difficult students and parents, administrators, and fellow staff members. Others sin against us. We see better choices our students can make. But we glorify You by Christian cheerfulness. You have called us to act with charitable judgment toward others. In other words, You ask us to look for the good that others are trying to accomplish or incapable of at the moment. Let us come alongside those who tempt us to complain, and pray for them. Give us hearts that extend love and compassion toward them, even when we don’t understand what is going on.

Lord, let Your servants rest in Your guiding hand, keeping their eyes on Your faithfulness rather than the situations in front of them, and focused on Your promised good so that they resist the temptation to complain. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Ex 16:8; Num 11:1-3; Job 1:21

God is Excellent, Rest in His Goodness

Featured Joy Bennett

Praise God for His Excellence

Lord God, we thank You for Your moral goodness, virtue, and uprightness. Regardless of our blindness, we know You are perfect and worthy of our highest praise and adoration.

Prayer for Peace as We Think About God’s Character

Dear Lord, we come to You in humility, hungry for the truth of Who You Are: The Great I Am. We want to show the world Your glory in our classrooms and in our relationships with others. Help us keep our minds on Your all-knowing character so that we call on You for wisdom as we plan our lessons and interact with our students. Encourage our hearts by Your eternal nature so that we rest in You who remain King forever, and guide us to give You appropriate glory with all of our decisions. Lead us to cling to Your Word, the standard for truth. You have spoken, You are the only true God, and we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true. Keep us resting in this knowledge.

Lord, we also ask that we can view You as God Most High, exalting You and Your faithful love over all trouble, imaginations, and fears. Let us sing of Your righteousness and give You the glory You deserve. As we look to You, let us be happy in You, our Creator, who helps Your people and controls every earthly power. We know all things were created for Your glory and we can trust You when we don’t see earthly leaders acting with godly justice. Give us minds to think about Your incredible, self-existence. You are loyal to Your entire character and this gives us hope. Lead us beside the still waters of rest in our knowledge of You: the Great I Am, Who makes the dark as light and guides Your people in paths of peace.

Praise You for Your grace to Your people Lord. We are comforted by our adoption to You through Jesus. Your excellence far outweighs our ability to comprehend it. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Ex 3:14; Ps 7:17; 129:1-6; John 17:3; Eph 1; Col 1:16; 1 Tim 1:17

Peace in God Who is Worthy of Praise

Featured Joy Bennett

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” ~ Ps 34:8

Praise God

Lord, in You alone are riches, honor, glory, goodness, light, joy, and peace. You are loving in all Your actions. Indeed, we praise You for the entirety of Your character.

Prayer

We step into Your peace when we focus on Your undeniable goodness, Father. Lead us to the refreshing waters of Your truth so we can enjoy the serenity that comes from meditating on Your praiseworthiness. Because You know our lives and the sin that is in the world, You have provided renewal for our souls. We exalt You, for no matter the stresses we have at school, with our health, in relationships, with finances, or in any other area, We see that You are working for our good.

Move Your Word to the front of our minds so we focus on Your goodness, forgiveness, and love. Your nature is to desire the highest good for Your creation. You have generously forgiven all of our sins, and Your unfailing love is displayed in all you have done, and continue to do. Thank You for loving us with an everlasting love, and drawing us to Yourself. Even now we can be calm in our circumstances with this knowledge.

For Your glory, guide our thoughts so that we elevate Your greatness. You are beyond comparison to anything we can imagine or measure. Show us how great Your power is on our behalf, regardless of our situations, and bring us peace. You are always working mightily on behalf of Your people, and in ways we cannot comprehend. Oh Lord, may we rest in the knowledge of this.

With these many gifts, Your heart of grace is magnified. You are gracious, righteous, and compassionate, waiting for opportunities to show this compassion to Your people. It is in Your justice that You bless those who long for You, even raising us to the heavenly places in Christ Jesus so that You can bless us with Your kindness all the more. Lord, keep us in this mindset, trusting You, resting in You, and confident of Your love because of our position as Your beloved children. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Ps 31:19; 73:23-26; 104:1; 106, 116:5; 118; Is 30:18; Jer 31:3; Mic 7:18-19; Eph 1:4; 2:6-7

From Strength to Strength

Featured Joy Bennett

Praise the Lord of Hosts

Dear Lord, we praise You for being The LORD of hosts, the God of all armies, the living God Almighty. You are powerful and faithful, unchanging and holy. How lovely it is to dwell with You in this life and through eternity.

Prayer for Strength and Refreshment

We pray for teachers everywhere today to desire You above all things. For those who call You Lord, we pray their souls seek You in Your Word and that their hearts and flesh will sing for joy because of Who You Are in their lives. Let every teacher cling to You, knowing that even the sparrow finds a home by Your power and that You have confirmed we are of much more worth to You. Lavish Your blessings upon those who dwell in Your house, ever singing Your praise, because we are so richly blessed when our strength is in You and our hearts are focused on Your ways.

Lord, we praise You for Your promises because teaching requires us to pour our energy and strength into the lives of others, leaving us dry, and in need of Your power and renewal. But You say that Your people will go through these experiences, making them places of springs and experiencing refreshing rain to cover their needs with pools. We go from strength to strength, appearing before You to receive Your blessings. Keep us near to You, Lord, God of hosts. You listen to our prayers and You, alone meet the needs of Your people. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

Psalm 84: 1-8; Mat 10:29-30

God’s Perfect Design in Creation

Featured Joy Bennett

Praise God our Creator

Dear Lord, we magnify Your Name for Your incomprehensible existence and all You have created. We praise You that, with each improvement in technology, we see exponentially more of Who You Are from the complexities of DNA to the trillions of galaxies observable in space. Glory be given to Your Name by every creature, Oh Lord, for You alone could conceive of this perfect and extraordinary design.

Prayer for Teachers to Elevate Creation

Each day we spend with students, we have opportunities to thoughtfully plan our conversations and work to glorify You, Lord. Work in our hearts to give us creativity and insight so that we can point to the glory of creation. Cause us to see all we can expound upon: the beauty, the peace it brings, the marvel of its power, the orderly design, the mastery that makes it incapable of duplication by human hands. Let our students be drawn to You through Your impressive systems and blueprints, Lord. Bless our efforts to celebrate Your work with our students. Prepare the hearts of each one to be impressed by Your glory and seek You because of what they see. Let them desire a relationship with You because of their experience of Your design, precious Lord, and bring salvation to them. Assure their souls of Your might and wisdom as they recognize Your work in what is visible and invisible around them. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

’For who has known the mind of the Lord,

or who has been his counselor?’

’Or who has given a gift to him

that he might be repaid?’

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen”

(Rom 11:33-36).

Gen 1:1-5; Ps 95:4-6

Prayer for Teachers’ Patience

Featured Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, all good things come directly from You and we praise You. You are the God of all patience and gentleness. We exalt You in these things, knowing that, without You, we could not extend these kindnesses to our students and others. Because You are good, You command us to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. We rejoice in the purity of Your requirements and ask that You empower us to honor You today.

Teach us to act with kindness, humility, meekness, and long-suffering with our students, fellow staff, administrators, and parents. Plant Your Word in our minds to cultivate an others-focus, not thinking primarily of ourselves but seeking to serve those around us. Let us be persuaded that we are Your humble servants, not driven by what we will gain but by Your gracious gifts in Christ Jesus and a heart of love toward those around us.

When we are tempted to give in to anger or retaliation, impatience or bitterness, guide us in Your will and Your ways for Your glory. Steer us to extend mercy and sacrificial patience toward those who seem especially abrasive, reminding us that we, too, have failings that affect others. In this, let our expectations be centered on grace toward all people rather than honor for ourselves.

Praise You for Your power at work in our lives to accomplish Your will. We are dependent upon Your Spirit to honor You in our work. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Ps 23; Ps 143:10; Mic 6:8; Mt 5:5; Eph 4:1-2; Col 3:12; 1 Thess 5:14; Jas 1:21

In The Presence of the Lord There Is Comfort

Featured Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, You are ever-present and Your Spirit comforts our souls. How we praise You! If only we could stay in Your Word all day. But Lord, let Your Word cling to our hearts and remind us of Your Truth as we go about our days so we can enjoy You all the more.

We pray for Your servants in schools to have Your comfort throughout their daily work. Lord, You alone know the weariness or even dread teachers can experience as they are impacted by the immature or selfish actions of their students and others. Lift their souls to meditate on Your Word and Your goodness. Stay with us as we travel this rocky road so we may hear Your Word welling up in our souls.

We thank You, Lord, that we can dwell in Your presence. Make us realize Your present blessings as we seek You through our difficulties, for in Your presence there is joy. Give us a fresh experience of Your full circle of protection for Your people, laying Your hand of peace and guidance upon us, and filling our hearts beyond comprehension. Encourage us that the darkness of the world will never cover us because You are light and You’re always with us. Work mightily to shine Your light through us as we work with the souls before us. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. Ps 21:6; Ps 139:1-12; Ps 140:12-13; Luk 24:29

In the Shadow of Your Wings

Featured Joy Bennett

Psalm Friday

Dear Lord, we pray together for all the teachers You have placed in the mission field of education. The needs are great in every location: spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional. You have called us to show up each day and walk with You as our strength, promising our security in You, and giving us the promise of Your power to accomplish the work You have set before us. Praise You for Your faithfulness, Lord. Without You, we can do nothing.

The enemy doesn’t want us to be at work in the lives of these many students, staff, and parents. We can be tempted to give up, give in to apathy and hopelessness, or take a self-protective stance toward difficult people. Lord, send us Your peace. Allow us to rest in the shadow of Your wings, knowing that You cover Your people in security. Let us walk in repentance, holding to Your ways, keeping our eyes on Your Word, and enjoying Your steadfast love so we can extend it to others. Guide us to carve out time to spend in Your Word so our souls will be strengthened in You and our faith strong. Lord, for all the seeming victories our adversaries may gain, remind us of Your true goodness, power, and benefit which far outweigh those things. Your Spirit is within us, ministering peace to our souls. Your promises for our present and eternal benefit are immovable. We are blessed in the heavenly places with every spiritual blessing through Christ Jesus. Fill our souls with these truths and lead us to think rightly about our circumstances, growing in our knowledge of You and giving You glory with our work. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Psalm 17)

Lord Be Glorified in Us Through Praise

Featured Joy Bennett

Glory Be to God

Dear Lord, You alone are worthy of our praise. Regardless of our trials, difficult personalities we work with, trying students, pressing parents, or inexhaustible to-do lists, we know that You are always at work accomplishing Your perfect will. Glory be to Your Name.

Prayer for Hearts of Praise to God

Help us appropriately exalt You in our minds, hearts, and lives. Let praise be on our lips and in our souls throughout every day, removing the enemy’s power, and affirming Your glorious work that is already taking place. Be glorified in our lives with great light, hope, and joy so others will also magnify Your Name. Move our hearts to remember the mighty works You have done in our sight so that we overflow with rejoicing and praise, joining with the voices of the past saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luk 19:37-40). And, even if we’re experiencing great pain, lavish Your grace upon us through Christ Jesus that through Him we may continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to You, acknowledging Your Name and bearing fruit for Your glory (Heb 13:15).

“Praise our God,

all you his servants,

you who fear him,

small and great.

Hallelujah!

For the Lord our God

the Almighty reigns.

Let us rejoice and exult

and give him the glory” (Rev 19:5-7)

Find Peace in God’s Loveliness

Featured Joy Bennett

Praise God Who is Ever Present, Our Peace, Advocate, Healer and Provider

Dear Lord, we come to You with praise for Your loveliness. We are captivated by Your moral perfection, goodness, holiness, and unsearchable glory. You are worthy of our worship for countless reasons. Thank You Lord for blessing us by sharing Your character: Your constant presence (Ps 46:1) and Your peace (Rom 5:1). Our hearts are blessed because You are our Great High Priest and Advocate (Heb 4:14; Rom 8:26,34). And we give You glory for being the Healer of our souls and bodies (Deut 32:39; Is 53:5), and for being our Provider who has already foreseen our every need and graciously provided for them (Rom 8:32; 2 Cor 9:8).

Prayer for Our Minds to Focus on His Loveliness

We pray for teachers everywhere to have a fresh perspective of Your praiseworthy and delightful character. Let Your people be captivated by Your glory as by the unsearchable glow of flames in a late-night campfire. Every day we have opportunities and challenges within our schools and we desire Your peace. Place Your Word in our hearts to remind us of Your peace which comes by delighting in Your beauty. You are worth everything to us. Help us be the teachers, mentors, colleagues, and servants You can use to show the world Who You Are. Lord, cause our hearts to rejoice in Your forgiveness, longsuffering, mercy, kindness, goodness, grace, and indwelling Holy Spirit. You are lovely beyond compare. What do we find attractive in this world but the good You have worked here: creation; the image of God in humanity, and Your Word? Flood our hearts with Your Truth for Your beauty never ceases to please our souls. In Jesus’s Name, we pray. Amen.

How lovely is your dwelling place,

O LORD of hosts!

My soul longs, yes, faints

for the courts of the LORD;

my heart and flesh sing for joy

to the living God.

Even the sparrow finds a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may lay her young,

at your altars, O LORD of hosts,

my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house,

ever singing your praise! Selah

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,

in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

As they go through the Valley of Baca

they make it a place of springs;

the early rain also covers it with pools.

They go from strength to strength;

each one appears before God in Zion.

O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;

give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah

Behold our shield, O God;

look on the face of your anointed!

For a day in your courts is better

than a thousand elsewhere.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;

the LORD bestows favor and honor.

No good thing does he withhold

from those who walk uprightly.

O LORD of hosts,

blessed is the one who trusts in you! (Ps 84)

Light of the World, Shine Through Us

Featured Joy Bennett

Praise God for His Light

Lord, we worship You for Your glorious Light in the earth. In the beginning, You created light, warmed the earth, and provided for the growth of Your beautiful plants and animals. You tell us You are Light (1 John 1:5) and that Jesus is the Light of the world (John 1:9). Your Word is also Light and we are eternally grateful that it gives us all we need to know about You. Father, we are humbled by Your greatness and for giving us these pure, glorious, and joyful gifts.

Prayer for God’s Light to Shine Through Us

Lord, as we go about our calling in our classrooms today, let us be aligned with Your Spirit and glorify You as lights in this dark world (John 3:19). We have Your Spirit dwelling within us and therefore bring something uniquely beautiful and comforting to our students and others around us. Nothing more than light demonstrates the benefit of a spiritual life lived with You. Father, make Your light a demonstration of Your perfection and goodness in our lives. May we be separated from all darkness and servants who bring Truth to our surroundings, illuminating and dispelling sin. Work in us so that we are precious and useful ministers to our students, giving them a craving for what is pure and holy. Your glory shines in creation and in Your people, Lord, let us be aligned with Your Spirit as we go about our instruction and work today. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Shine, Jesus, Shine

Lord, the light of Your love is shining

In the midst of the darkness shining

Jesus Light of the world, shine upon us,

Set us free by the truth You now bring us

Lord, I come to Your awesome presence

From the shadows into the Your radiance

By the blood I may enter Your brightness,

Search me, try me, consume all my darkness

As we gaze on your kingly brightness

So our faces display Your likeness

Ever changing from glory to glory

Mirrored here, may our lives tell Your story;

Shine on me. Shine on me.

(Graham Kendrick, 1950)

Rest in Peace Because Our God is Holy

Featured Joy Bennett

Praise God Our Shepherd Who is Holy, Wise, and Unchanging

Dear Lord, our Holy God, we worship You because You alone are free from all sin and there is none other like You. In Your holiness, You are also wise, and unchanging. Thank You for showing us these things about Yourself. You are our Shepherd, associating with us as a friend, constantly caring for us, seeking us, and leading us in paths for our good. Bless You for Your purity Lord.

Prayer for Our Minds to Have Peace

Today, as each teacher goes about their work, attending to the many decisions before them, let their minds return to You, trusting You because of Your ultimately pure character. Build our faith that You are always good and powerfully work in our lives to bring about the highest benefit to Your children. Lord, You alone know the distractions and difficulties teachers face each day, at home and at work, but remind us that You are our shepherd, pure and holy, leading us in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Guide us to keep our minds fixed on the truth of Your Word, and to rest in Your unchanging, faithful ways. When troubles come into our lives, add an increasing measure of faith in our hearts that we may recognize Your unfailing wisdom, Your inability to do wrong because of Your holiness, Your constant and perfect character, and Your loving, merciful care which guides us through every circumstance. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Ex 15:11; Is 6:3; Job 9:3-4; Ps 23:1-3; Mala 3:6; John 10:13-15; Rom 16:27; Heb 13:8

Strength for Us and Glory for God

Featured Joy Bennett

Praise You, LORD, king forever; every nation and leader is in Your hand. You hear the desire of Your people who are afflicted, You will strengthen their hearts and listen closely to their prayers so that You can do justice to each one and remove the power of those who cause problems.

For every Christian teacher, Lord we pray for Your guidance. Let us wait patiently for You, LORD, and extend Your patience to our students. Encourage our hearts that You have heard our prayers and You are always working in ways we cannot see for the benefit of Your people. Impress Your Word upon our hearts so we live in the certainty of Your care: You set our feet upon a rock, make our steps secure, put a song in our mouths – a song of praise to our God, so we bring You glory and many are drawn to put their trust in You. Lord, strengthen our trust in You, reminding us that You alone work wonders in our lives. Your thoughts are turned to us night and day. Open our mouths to proclaim Your might and goodness, even an ever-flowing stream of praise.

LORD, we pray that You show us the many ways You tenderly care for us. You know us and look after us as a Shepherd with his flock. Let us also extend this care to the students and staff around us. Because we enjoy Your salvation, even peace in the middle of calamity, give us hearts to share this with others. Guide our prayers for our students and staff. Prompt us to act with blessing toward those around us. Even in times we struggle, let us be so comforted by You that we cannot help but extend Your grace to others. Let Your face shine upon us and reflect outward so that we are a city on a hill, a lamp on a stand that cannot be hidden, giving light to the blind and glorifying You in all we do. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Ps 10:16-18; Ps 40: 1-5; Psalm 80.

Gain Peace by Your Thoughts of God’s Justice

Featured Joy Bennett

Praise God Who is Just, Right, Faithful, and Merciful

Dear Lord, we worship You because Your justice is consistent with Your righteousness. All that You are and all You do reflect Your moral perfection. You are faithful to Your people and we praise Your Name. You are also merciful in Your justice which is granted through the blood of Jesus and flows from Your immeasurable love for Your people. Praise You for the fullness of Your character coupled with Your compassions that never fail.

Prayer for Our Minds to Have Peace

Dear Lord, we pray for teachers, that they will freshly recognize the peace they can have in keeping their minds on Your justice. Since nothing good exists apart from You, we know that You deserve all of our worship. We pray especially for those who have trouble in their lives, asking that You comfort them by showing them Who You Are. Let them believe that You always do right. Cause praise to rise for Your moral perfection, even when they are still experiencing pain. Build their trust in Your faithfulness when they can’t see how everything works out. Open their eyes to Your mercy as You continue to work in the background of their circumstances. Convince them of Your love and perfect their faith in You even when their struggles seem unsurmountable.

Deep within the heart of each teacher, Lord, convince them of Your right judgments. You love when things are made right and You are the One who sees it through. Give us scriptures to meditate on, rehearsing Your faithfulness and love. Help us see new things in Your Word which give us encouragement as we wait for the full outcome of Your work. Keep us attentive to our hearts so that we confess our sins and reject despair. Let us be convinced of Your holy character for without faith it is impossible to please You.

Lord, many teachers are tempted to despair from day to day and You are the only solution. Speak Your peace to their hearts by convincing them of Your holy perfection. May their hope stand strong in You because of Your certain faithfulness. Help them see Your ways are always gracious and loving so that they rest in Your certain righteousness. Open their eyes to how Your mercies are new every morning because Your faithfulness is great.

Let each of us be astounded by Your mercy in light of our sin and help us worship You appropriately. Guide us to Your Word and move us to call on You, convinced that You are our Refuge, our Savior from every pursuer, and our Deliverance. With You, we are never overtaken, and when it seems like we are, You have an answer planned ahead of time. We will not be trampled but You, LORD, arise on our behalf, appointing judgment. May Your servants everywhere praise You for judging rightly at all times, even while You test our hearts and minds. You are our shield of peace, precious Lord, allow us to meditate on You Who are just. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen

Prayers for the End of the Year

Featured Joy Bennett

Praise

Dear Lord, our shield, we exalt Your Name. You are great and beyond measure. We turn to You in worship for Your holiness. In Your perfection, You are set apart from sin and provided salvation for Your people when nothing less would do. We are humbled by Your eternal love and provision for us.

Prayer

We pray for teachers who You established to accomplish Your work in the lives of others. Students, parents, and administrators often panic toward the end of the year when grades get posted and there is little time left for recovery. They often blame teachers for the problem when the responsibility belongs elsewhere. Lord, You know first-hand how difficult our lives become when others rise against us. And in Your compassion, You have provided for us. Remind Your servants that You are a shield about them, their glory, the lifter of their head. Keep their minds on the truth that, when they cry to You, You answer from Your holy hill. Let each one rest in You during these times of stress. Let them sleep and rest well, sustained by You and free from fear of those who oppose them.

Cause Your servants to know that You attend to their prayers, and You set examples in Scripture that we should call on You for salvation because You defend us completely. Salvation belongs to You, LORD. May Your blessings be on Your people. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Read Psalm 3

Have Peace: Elevate God’s Honor

Featured Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, we pray for every teacher today, laying their needs at Your feet. The deep needs of students, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, have the potential to overtake the well-being of teachers. It is easy to focus on the interactions before us rather than Who You Are within us. Our responses to these difficulties often lead to sinful thoughts if not actions and each of us needs Your grace. We pray for salvation in the souls of those teachers who do not know You, and we pray for grace and peace for all.

We pray especially for Christian teachers to focus on the truth of Your character: nothing is honorable in all existence but You. We praise You for Your glorious might and purity. You alone are worthy of our highest regard. We pray for Your servants to lay their teaching duties before You. The temptations to look to personal effort are ever before us. Help us remember Your sovereignty and receive peace because You rule the entire universe and Your perfect plans are always accomplished. Evil never overcomes Your will. Keep our minds on the blessing of Your longsuffering character. You are never rashly angry toward us but You patiently endure our sin, giving us every opportunity to turn toward You. Let us similarly reflect Your character to our students and parents. Teach us also to embrace Your anger at sin which is against Your moral perfection and therefore must be punished. We praise You, Jesus, for suffering God’s wrath on the cross when we were the ones who deserved it. As we work, instruct us in Your righteousness that we may hate sin as You do. You alone are worthy of our worship. Lord, You are rightly jealous for Your people and we need Your guidance to keep our hearts turned toward You. Thank You for loving us with a jealous love, drawing us to Your perfection, when nothing else compares.

We pray for the teachers You have placed in schools as Your representatives, set apart to do Your will. Move our busy and distracted minds to focus on You. Administrative tasks are added to our endless to-do lists, but You call us to live a life of peace in the middle of the chaos. When we grasp even a portion of Your perfection, we are impacted by reverence and awe. Keep us close. Let us fellowship with You throughout each day, enjoying Your lavish gifts including every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, and enjoying our position as Your children.

Lord, remind us to plan our lessons with the weight of Your glory in mind. Guide our words so that we are reverent and set an example of the fear of God. Let us work through every task and human interaction showing You reverence by living lives of grace-driven self-control. Let these things create peace as we work on mission for Christ in our schools. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

Eph 1:3-10; Phil 4;5,7,9; 1 Tim 3:8; Titus 2:2; Rev 5:12

This I Know, God is for Me

Featured Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, we pray that You especially minister to Your people at work in schools everywhere today. For those who need Your grace as they’re treated poorly, Lord be gracious to them, reminding them that, when they are afraid, they can put their trust in You. Remind them to rehearse Your Word saying, “In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” As they speak these words, remind them that You are perfectly loving and merciful in all that You allow, even when they are tormented and weighed down. Especially in these times, fill them with assurance that You are at work in their lives for good. Let them say, “This I know, that God is for me.”

When Your people are focused on accomplishing Your will in their schools, when they are working hard to honor Your name with all of their choices, they often deal with people who try to intercept their efforts. They find that others rise up against them with evil thoughts, stirring up strife and examining their every step. Lord, this is such a distraction and frustration as we often feel that our enemies are the people around us rather than the spiritual forces of darkness. Give us comfort in knowing that You keep count of our struggles and You gather our tears because they are important to You.

For each one, Lord I pray that You renew their hope in You. Let them have rest as they meditate on the counsel of Your Word. Let them see that You promise to have victory over their enemies, beginning at the moment they call out to You. Let them say, “In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I shall trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Renew their strength to work for Your glory. Let them praise You for the work You are doing, even if they cannot see it yet. Let them experience deep joy in their souls and deliverance from the feelings of death the enemy sends. Give them assurance that, regardless of how things may look right now, You keep their feet from falling so they may walk before You in the light of life. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Psalm 56).

Christian Teachers, Fill Your Mind with Truth

Featured Joy Bennett

Praise God for Truth and Peace

Dear Lord, we praise You for Your unchanging nature (Heb 13:8) and that You are the source of all truth (John 14:6). We live in a world of constant change and even the attitudes and actions of our students change from moment to moment. It can be difficult for us to navigate these turbulent waters. Meanwhile, we thank You for creating a path to peace so we can be effective teachers and live with our minds at rest in You.

Prayer for Our Minds to Focus on Truth

Lord, we come to You, our source of peace (Is 26:3), knowing that You desire us to abide in Your peaceful presence as we go about our daily lives (Phil 4:5-7). Your Word is Truth (John 17:17). Help us to be sanctified by keeping our minds on what is true as You command us in Philippians 4:8, knowing that You will especially minister to us as we do so. Let us surround ourselves with the truth of Your Word, equipping our minds to meet our everyday challenges (Phil 4:7). Remind us that truth opposes everything false (1 John 2:21) and we will stand well against lies when we keep our minds fixed on You (Eph 6:10-17). When we are strong in You, we have peace, knowing that You are Truth and Life to our souls. When we are tempted to look at the problems around us: difficulties with students, staff, parents, or personal struggles, please prompt us to remember that keeping our minds focused on Who You Are, the great “I Am,” who keeps us in immovable security.

Fill Our Minds with These Truths

Lord, let our minds be filled with the knowledge that You are the source of our every need and You desire to give us the best possible blessing in every situation. You have loved Your people with an everlasting love in accordance with Your eternal nature – a love set in motion before we were created and a love never fading in the midst of our trials. The truth is, as You act in Your perfect love toward us, You are all-powerful, You know all things, and You are all-wise. The truth is that we are saved and eternally belong to God our Father, living daily in every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places because of the work of Christ on our behalf. By the faith You have generously supplied, through the grace You alone can give, by the work of Christ alone, we receive these beautiful gifts. How much You have worked on our behalf, Lord. In You alone, we can rest securely. We pray that You constantly guide us to keep our minds on these truths so that we may be at rest, and give You glory as we go about our days. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

Quiet Your Mind Place Your Thoughts on God’s Peace

Featured Joy Bennett

Praise to God for His Peace and Goodness

Dear Lord, we thank You that in You alone we can have peace. You are holy and true peace exists only in the absence of sin. We thank You that, in our relationship with You, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in heaven, including all of Your goodness which is at work in our lives at all times.

Prayer for Peace

Father, we come to You with all the problems and stress we face with our personal, work, family, and social lives. We desire to walk closely with You, knowing that we especially affect the lives of the students, staff, and parents around us throughout our daily walk. Help us to think according to Your will. We face temptations to meditate on fears and rehearse projected scenarios, but You tell us to take our thoughts captive for Christ. Help us to practice this by replacing our imaginations with the truth of Your goodness. We are always thinking something – let us think about You.

Guide us to practice Your peace through the outline You have given us in Philippians 4:8 which says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Lord, in order to practice this command, let us keep scripture in our minds that proclaims Your character and work on our behalf. Let us remind ourselves that You cause all things to work together for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose (Rom 8:28). Let us study and memorize verses such as, “The LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright shall behold His face” (Psalm 11:7) and “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb 13:8) which remind us of Your perfect heart toward us and Your sacrificial gifts to us at all times.

Guide us to remain connected to the many truths You give us about your praiseworthy character. In this way, with our minds dwelling on You, we are kept in perfect peace (Is 26:3). For Your glory in our lives, we pray In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Courage

Featured Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, thank You that You are worthy of our trust at all times. We never know what our next moments will look like but we want to trust in Your faithful care, regardless of what may come.

When we work with students and so many others each day, Lord we face many trials. Let us remember that You stand faithfully by our side as our loving guide. Help each of us honor You as we take courage in You alone.

In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Read my devotion: Take Courage in God’s Promised Care

Strengthen One Another

Featured Joy Bennett

Praise God for Fellowship

Dear Lord, we praise You for Your love for us and Your desire to fellowship with us. You so generously reached out to us in love through the sacrifice of Your son and You continue to fellowship with us through Your indwelling Holy Spirit and through Your Word. Thank You for these beautiful gifts and thank You for strengthening us daily and empowering us to strengthen one another.

Prayer for Believers to Strengthen One Another

Lord, let Your body of believers who are on mission with You, working with schools, come together for the common good. Let fellowship rise between individuals, teacher prayer groups, and Christian organizations such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Young Life, and more. Let Your people provide for one another’s needs in prayer, encouragement, physical help, and love. Let us search for ways we can minister to one another as any may have a need. Also, provide ways for us to come together in fellowship so that we may rejoice together and have our hearts uplifted, praising You and setting an example of joy for those around us. Lord, let Your witness go ahead of us for Your glory (Acts 2:44-47).

As we come together, Lord, let us be especially dedicated to holding one another up in prayer, service, and encouragement. We fight many battles during our service with schools and, like Moses in Exodus 17, there are times when we are too tired to continue. But, when we strengthen one another, we are victorious together. Let us steady one another and let Your servants prevail in each battle they fight for Your glory (v10-13).

Lord, You remind us in Your Word that, “[t]hough one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecc 4:12). We praise You that when we come together in Your name, You are the third strand, especially strengthening us to serve You in every situation. Let Your glory prevail on the mission field of schools. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Hope in Christ and Eternity

Featured Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, we praise You for Your Word which reminds us: “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as He is pure” (1 John 3:3 ESV).

Lord, we have hope because You have completed Your work on our behalf through Your sacrifice on the cross. Like grateful students, let us go and see our Teacher. Let us pray to see You clearly through Your Word. Let us develop our perspective of Your glory and goodness, and the fullness of Your character so that we joyfully honor You in our daily walk. May our established hope of eternity with Christ be coupled with our awareness of Your presence and power with us now. And, may it motivate us to the most strenuous efforts in our service to You in the mission field of education and in every aspect of our lives.
Lord, we also pray for Your abiding presence and powerful Word to motivate us to purity in our Christian walk. We know we are weak and especially susceptible to fatigue in our work as teachers. Lord, help us fight against evil, sin by sin. We know that the war has been won by You already, but we remain in the small lingering battles of the land. Let us turn to You for constant cleansing, enveloping ourselves in Your Word, and may we gain Your strength and power to walk in purity. Our greatest hope is our fellowship and communion with You.

Prayers for Staff and Volunteers

Featured Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, how we praise You that You are Lord over every human being and every spiritual force – all are under Your governing leadership. Lord, we praise You for Your power everywhere and especially on behalf of Your people (Genesis 2:1 Isaiah 45:12). Lord, we are also humbled by Your ever-present goodness toward mankind and specifically toward Your people (Psalm 145:8, 9; 103:8; 1 John 4:8).

You have placed Your people to work in schools on mission with You. Let each one recognize Your good gifts to them, Your heart of mercy, pity, and compassion. Let them recognize how long-suffering You are, how patient, how gracious. Let each one feel the power of Your justice on their behalf and recognize that You are unchanging, infinitely wise, and that You exist in sovereign moral perfection.

Lord, we pray for resource officers, kitchen staff, bus drivers, and detention supervisors. We pray for administrators, study hall teachers, janitors, and secretaries. We pray for student aids, classroom helpers, technology specialists, and those in facilities maintenance who care for our buildings, snow removal, grounds & lawn care. We pray for librarians, coaches, school nurses, and counselors. We pray for the myriads of others who similarly work with students in our schools. Lord, let them be aware of Your goodness toward them and let them extend it to the students they work with.

For each of these workers who are Christians, Lord, we pray they will uniquely shine Your light in their Christian witness, showing excellence in work and communication. Let them make beneficial relationships with students, established in kindness, as they work with a missions mindset: shining their light before men and planting seeds You, Lord, can use for growth in the gospel at the time of Your choosing. Guide them to pray well for those they work with, exercise forgiveness, and work with the joy of the Lord in their hearts.

Finally, we know the workers are few, so we pray that You, Lord, raise a new generation of servants who will work in this mission field of schools. Meanwhile, we praise You that the existing harvest is ripe. Give Your people hearts for serving the lost and let them recognize the blessings they receive as they walk in what is pleasing to You (Luk 19:10; Neh 8:10b; Col 3:23-24, 4:3; Rom 2:4; Eph 4:32; Mat 5:16, 9:37).

Prayers for Our Administrators

March 22, 2024May 16, 2024 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.

Prayers for School Staff Meetings

March 19, 2024May 16, 2024 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.

Serve Well in Your Mission Field

March 8, 2024May 16, 2024 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.

Prayers for Teachers with Crisis at Home

March 7, 2024May 16, 2024 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.

All for God’s Glory

March 4, 2024May 16, 2024 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.

Commitment to Serve Amidst Apathy

February 29, 2024May 16, 2024 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).

God’s Will in Schools

February 26, 2024May 16, 2024 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