Tag: Prayers for Staff

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).

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.

Prayers for Travel Mercies

Featured Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, for many teachers and students, travel is a regular part of their school year. We pray for Your blessings over these travels, recognizing that there can be risks and dangers involved in each situation. Thank You, Lord, that You are all-knowing, recognizing every aspect of our circumstances and we pray for You to guide us accordingly (Ps 139; Pv 5:21).  We thank You that You are also ever-present, our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps 46:1). Lord, let those who have fears about traveling turn to You and rest in Your strength and peace. Let parents and loved ones who worry over the risks in travels turn to You and be comforted by You in faith.

Lord, we pray for commutes, local trips, cross-country travels, and trips to other countries. We know that unforeseen circumstances may arise at any time. Encourage us that You are our Provider, and when Your children have concerns, You’ve already got a plan to provide for our needs (Rom 8:32). Another factor in travels is weather. You are the Creator (Ps 146:5-6; Col 1:16), in charge of all weather. We pray that You orchestrate storms and temperatures for the benefit of these groups. Also, guide these teachers, coaches, students, and parents so that they have safety in every variable of weather. We ask for Your Wisdom on each trip as well. There are many concerns when traveling with students: proper oversight by adults, financial provision, thorough planning, preparation for injuries, and more. But You, Lord, are completely wise, having perfect knowledge (Job 9:3-4; Rom 16:27) and we ask You to share Your wisdom with us for these things and for all that we cannot foresee.

In all these things we worship You for Your greatness. You are beyond anything we can imagine. Let each traveler and those who stay at home be comforted by Your greatness (Deut. 3:24; Job 37:5), blessing You in worship and trusting in Your perfect plans. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

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Assurance of Blessings

Featured Joy Bennett

Dear Lord, as Christian teachers, we have special blessings and we praise You for this ongoing truth. We praise You for Your indwelling Holy Spirit and His certification that we belong to You and we are Your children (Rom 8;15-17; Gal 4:6; 1 John 4:3). We praise You, Lord Jesus, for Your work on our behalf because without it we would not have Your Holy Spirit and the many blessings You have assured us of through Your death for us and Your resurrection in victory over sin and death. This gospel truth is just the beginning of our many assurances in You Lord and we pray for Christian teachers everywhere that You magnify these truths within their hearts and let them live fresh lives filled with joy by their recognition of them. For teachers without these blessings, Lord we pray for their souls to be saved and their hearts to be committed to You.

Lord, as these Christian teachers work diligently in Your Name, remind them that You are the author and perfecter of our faith and that we are not responsible for mustering up a certain amount of this faith to receive Your blessings. Meanwhile, give them a firm conviction to steep their souls in Your faith-giving Word and live in the assurances You give us by faith (Heb 10:22). We especially need this as we work with children and others daily in schools. Remind us that the assurances of Your blessings on our behalf are life-sustaining and the resulting hope causes us to overflow with good works on this mission field.

Lord, uplift our hearts in assurance of our salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  We praise You that the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are saved (Rom 8:16) so we are assured that we have eternal life (1 John 5:13) and this gives us hope and a constantly Godward gaze. Encourage our hearts that, as we look to You in Your Word and in worship, the rays of Your light travel down to the smallest of our hearts, warming them and opening our lives into beautiful blooms. With this, we have the assurance that these same rays of hope bring purity to our lives (Eph 5:26). Indeed, those who look to Him are radiant and filled with joy (Ps 34:5).

Lord, we ask that every Christian teacher will rest in the assurance of Your indwelling power at work within us (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 4:30; Phil 2:13), and Your love toward us in all things, even in suffering in which we have a special communion with Christ through His Words of fellowship and strength for us in every worldly interaction (Rom 8:28, 1 Peter 4:10).

Lord, we also have Your sufficient grace on our behalf and in every situation, assurance that we are a new creation in Christ Jesus and assurance of Your loving care. Let each one be convinced of these truths throughout their lives. Lord, as these teachers work to overcome the natural obstacles of working with people, minister to their hearts with the assurances that You lead each of us, Your loving power is at work and You can be trusted. You have given us full assurance that blessings are ours even in suffering, and we are promised Your presence as we experience joy and the other fruits of the spirit. We pray all these things in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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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

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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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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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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