A Prayer for the School Year

For the first time in six years, I will not be attending pre-planning. I will not be decorating a classroom or looking at new curriculum. I will not be making plans to contact parents or drafting a class newsletter. For the first time in six years, I will not be teaching. There are plenty of emotions that go along with that reality, but I know that God has me where I am for a reason. So I pray all the more for the teachers I know (and don't know) because teaching is dang hard. You're a counselor, nurse, and many other professions all wrapped up in one little bow. You're constantly on call and your emotions are fried. You give and give and give and give and don't expect much in return. It is a calling, and it is a privilege- not for the faint of heart. But for those who do it each year, day in and day out- we thank you.

Lord, thank you for the teachers who give sacrificially of their time and lives in order to unconditionally love Your children.
Thank you for calling them into a profession where they can make a difference every day.
For the teachers who are tired, please renew their strength.
For the teachers who are excited, please sustain their joy.
For the principals who are overwhelmed, help them to lead well and serve their staff.
Give each teacher an attitude of love and patience, especially when the days are long.
Give each teacher joy unspeakable and peace unexplainable, even when they don't want to send their babies home each day.
Give each teacher arms welcome to hug and lips ready to praise and encourage.
Give them the boundaries they need at school so they can also love their families well at home.
Please protect each child and help them to learn and grow.
Please instill Your confidence in each child and help them to enjoy school.
Please show each child their God-given potential and give them the keys to reach it.
Thank you for the parents who entrust their children to others every day.
Thank you for the parents who work with their children at home to ensure their success.
Thank you for the mamas and daddies who love their kids and help them to know You more.
For the mamas and daddies who are ready to send their kids back to school, we ask that You give them the patience they need to savor these last days of summer.
Lord, please make this school year one that changes lives by drawing teachers, students, and parents unto You.

Thank you for the privilege and joy it is to have a place to learn about this world You created.