by Joy Bennett

Christian teachers have powerful opportunities in the lives of their students. We care deeply about their souls and long for God’s best for them. Let’s pray faithfully for them, knowing that the Lord hears our prayers (James 5:16).  

Pray for Their Salvation

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Rom 15:13).

• Lord, open their eyes to see that You are the God of hope.  Satisfy them with your steadfast love, that they may rejoice and be glad all their days (Ps 90:14).
• Lord, fill them with faith and all joy and peace in believing. You are the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb 12:2) and without faith we cannot please You (Heb 11:6).
• Let them believe in Jesus’ work on the cross for their salvation, knowing that He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29; 1 Cor 5:7; 1 Pet 1:19).

Pray for Their Teachers

Christian teachers in any school have opportunities to sow spiritual seeds in the lives of their students. Schools are mission fields where Christian teachers can let the light of Christ shine. Though public school teachers serve under separation of church and state, the commandments of the Lord can be modeled by Christian teachers, leaving students with a craving for the light of the Lord in their own lives. We can express the infinite value of human beings. We can also point to the benefits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). There is a promise in that verse: “against such things there is no law.”  Public school or otherwise, I’ve never met anyone who would say these are not values all people desire.

• Lord, let us sow the seeds of truth that there may be a harvest of disciples in all nations who become baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Let us also show them what it looks like to observe Your commands” (Matt 28:19-20).
• Lord Jesus, You were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for Yourself from every tribe and language and people and nation. Let us be faithful to demonstrate the fruits of the spirit and thereby draw our students toward You with softened hearts.
• Lord, there are many You are making as a kingdom and priests unto Yourself (Rev 5:9-10). Let the work we do help prepare their hearts for the day of salvation. Let them learn to read and analyze words so they may eventually embrace the Word.  Let them learn to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and seekers of truth for the growth of Your kingdom. Let their consciences be softened by their school experiences and by their relationships with Christian teachers and students so their hearts will be cultivated for the seed of Your Word to take root and become established for salvation and a flourishing relationship with You.

Pray for Their Influencers  

Each passing year, I hear despair regarding the new evils our children face. Yet, the work of the enemy is not new. We know how to pray against his work because God tells us what sin looks like and He shows us how the enemy has always worked. Whether students are tempted to use their time selfishly, to treat others without respect, or to idolize things of the world, none of these temptations are new. Be encouraged that the Lord has provided for each of these problems and He is more powerful than all.

• Lord, I pray for our children’s parents, guardians, and mentors, that You will guide them to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord (Eph 6:4).
• I pray for our children’s hearts, that You would protect them from sin. Do not allow sin to take root but soften their hearts to desire You.  
• Lord, I ask You to make Christian students bold to share their faith with their peers.
• Let each student be mindful of and resist the variety of ways they can be tempted including: unhealthy pride, greed, laziness, deception, anxiety, bitterness, despair, anger, selfishness, unhealthy fear, self-righteousness, gluttony, fear of man, and envy.
• Lord, I pray those our children come in contact with, that You would give these children wisdom to recognize what they should listen to and what they should reject. This includes people whose work they read or whose words they hear in person, through music, on video, and by any other means.
• I pray for our children to be attracted to the beauty of Your ways including saving grace, sanctification, and the satisfaction that only You can bring.
• Lord, let our children desire Your work in their lives including: patience, faithfulness, humility, fear of God, kindness, love, goodness, meekness, joy, self-control, thankfulness, and peace.
• I pray that You would raise up a host of Your people to pray for today’s children: for protection from lies, faith for salvation; passion for serving You, and effective Christian lives for the sake of Your kingdom and glory.

Praying for Today’s Children

Our prayers are essential and powerful. Be encouraged that you can make an immeasurable difference in the lives of your students by praying for them. There are many examples of prayer throughout scripture.  What more can you pray for the students you are called to pray for?