It comes every year, the end of the summer season and the transition into autumn. For some it is a pumpkin-all time, but for teachers it means preparation to teach young minds. Teachers need our prayer and support more than ever. COVID has changed so much of what it means for teachers to train students, which can prove to be stressful and overwhelming. Let’s strengthen our returning teachers together at the start of the 2021/2022 school year.
1. Prayers for health in the classroom
Father God
We pray for the health of the teachers returning to the classrooms this year. We know that COVID has created a new level of concern not only for the well-being of students but also for teachers and staff. Please give them supernatural protection over their health this school year. Help to protect them not only from COVID, but also from any illness and disease, so that they can teach undisturbed. Please keep students healthy so that schools remain open and accessible so that children get the education they need.
In Jesus name
Amen
2. Prayers for wisdom
Father God
Please bless the teachers with wisdom as they begin this new school year. Lord, at Proverbs 3:13 we remember: “Blessed is he who finds wisdom and he who gains understanding, for the gain from it is better than the gain of silver, and its gain is better than gold.” Greatness of heart, Lord, let us pray that wisdom will be bestowed and poured out abundantly on educators. They play such an essential and vital role in the education and life of a child, and Lord, children are little sponges that absorb knowledge. Help the words that come out of the mouths of the educators to be in tune with truth, kindness, love and the kind of wisdom that can only come from you. Please give them resources and everything they need to do well this new school year. If they are struggling to deal with a situation, Lord, we sincerely pray that You are their rock and the one they seek guidance. May the knowledge flow.
In Jesus name
Amen
3. Prayers for Peace in the Classroom
Father God
Peace is a gift in this world and something you give. We know that Ephesians 6:12 reminds us of the grave reality that “For us”[a] do not fight against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the invisible world, against powerful forces in this dark world and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. “Lord, we pray for firm protection around the classrooms, be it Brick and mortar buildings or virtual formats, especially those that want to evoke fear, unrest or anything that is not from your light and heart. Father, we pray that the classroom will be an atmosphere of peace so that students and teachers come together to learn and grow. Please stay in each of these classrooms. Lord, we pray that those who enter these classrooms will feel the difference in peace and ultimately know that you are among them.
We pray this in the name of Jesus
Amen
4. Prayers for strength
Father God
It is clear that after nearly two years of COVID, many teachers are tired and exhausted from the stress of so many changes in the new normal in which we live. Remind them that they don’t have to find the strength to endure in their flesh, but in your loving arms. You want to help them not only survive but thrive in the next school year. We pray that the teachers will rest within you every day and seek you for the next steps. Lord, we also pray that You will provide them with everything they need for their new learners. Every student is different. Every child has a different learning style, personality and aspects that make them unique. Please help the teachers help each of these children learn in ways that they can best understand. Give them the opportunity to do their job to the best of their ability because you are what drives them.
In Jesus name
Amen
5. Prayers for learners
Father God
We pray for learners of all ages. Students aren’t the only ones coming into the classroom to study, as teachers of all ages pick up a new understanding with each class. Please bless all learners this year. Please bring new breakthroughs of knowledge and revelation so that teachers and students alike can see that we live in the incredible world you created. Give them a new hunger, secrets to unravel, and a thirst for knowledge. Let the content that is taught influence their young minds and inspire them to innovate and design in the years to come. Please bless this school year in ways they have never known before.
In Jesus name
Amen
6. Prayers for memories and connection
Father God
We know that the years in elementary school are one of the most memorable times in life. We know that connections are so important during this time and that this time in a child’s youth can affect the rest of their life. We pray for the memories and connections that were nurtured during this time. Help teachers inspire students in new ways in the subjects they are studying. Give them the opportunity to create a living space to study, not a boring, task-based environment. Please bless them with unexpected joy all year round. Please grant them golden times to cherish from this life to the next.
In Jesus name
Amen
7. A prayer for the first day
Father God
When teachers and students start on the first day of class, we ask that you always be present. Please calm the existing nervousness on the first day and remind them that there is so much good to unlock this year. Help ensure that the technology works smoothly and help make these first impressions good. We pray for respect for the teachers from the students and for the cultivation of kindness from everyone present. May this first day be abundantly blessed and may this school year be marked with your favors. We thank you, God, in advance.
In Jesus name
Amen
Teachers need support and encouragement more than ever. They give so much every day not only to educate but also to make an impression on their students. Praying and supporting for teachers you know can change their lives and help them feel less alone in everyday life. Make it a task to ask specifically how you can raise your teacher friends, and offer them words of encouragement as well. They make the world a better place and help the next generation grow up well.
Photo credit: © Getty Images / Drazen Zigic
Cally Logan is a writer and US history teacher based in Richmond, Virginia. In her spare time, she enjoys leading a small group of high school girls, cooking, and spending time in tree houses. Your latest books, Dear young sparrow and Revealed are available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Check them out on Instagram and Twitter, @CallyLogan.