Praying for the school

By: Dr. Jeff Fuller

On Saturday, August 3 the annual prayer gathering was held on the Central School Campus on Hanover to prepare for the upcoming school year. Andi Wilson and Amy Whitfield organized this event and gathered the attendees together for pray as we took to heart and action the words of scripture:

“I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses.” (Joshua 1:3 HCSB)

Remember, Joshua was leading the people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. God has promised Moses the land-the entire land-for the people of Israel, His chosen race. They would need to fight for the land, they would need a desire in their hearts to obey God and do as He instructed. The first stop would be Jericho. A walled and strong fortress, yet God commanded them to march around the city, break the lanterns and shout…and the walls came tumbling down. God gave them the city. And from that beginning place, Every place they stepped, every footfall gained the land, piece by piece.

Therefore, we gathered in the Elementary Gym and began to follow the command of God. We walked the school halls, touching the doors and the lockers, praying over the students and teachers who took their places, occupying their places of instruction on Wednesday of this week.

The Word of God tells us to pray. We are commanded to lift up our voice to the Lord of Heaven and seek His intervention in our society, our world, our culture. We are not to wain or cease in ever praying for all things according to His Word and His commandments.

Someone has said we do not have prayer in school. I always respond with the fact there is prayer in school, every day a test is given. Yet, prayer is offered on a continual basis by every believer who walks through or works in those halls of learning. If a need arises, there is always someone close by praying for the need and will even offer that prayer from a sincere and compassionate heart. I am truly thankful there is prayer offered in the halls of Coosa Central.

We do not stop with an organized gathering of two dozen individuals seeking God to allow His will to be accomplished on earth as it is in heaven. We seek to continue that focus of prayer every day of this new school year.

The Navigators have published Ten Prayers we can pray for the public-school system:

Love. “Father, may the students and staff of this school experience Your love through the Christians they know in profound and authentic ways” (John 13:35).
Truth. “Lord, release truth in this school. Help students to rightly discern truth and not believe false teachings” (Proverbs 23:23).
School board. “I pray blessings on each school board member (try to pray for them by name). Father, may your will be done at board meetings” (Romans 13:1).
Principal. “May (name of principal) recognize the God-given responsibility he/she has for the best interests of the children who attend the school. May (name of principal) walk in wisdom, integrity, grace, and truth” (Proverbs 2:1-11).
Failing students. “Lord, I ask you to encourage those children who are struggling with their studies. Strengthen their minds. Help their teachers and parents know how to help them learn. Protect them from feelings of worthlessness and shame” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Violence. “Lord, stay the hand of violence against the children and staff of this school. Dismantle any plan to bring harm to them. Expose any weapon brought into the school premises and render it harmless” (Psalm 34:7; 54:1).
Christian programs. “Father, I pray for abundant blessings on programs that bring Christ into this public school. Help the groups who sponsor such programs function according to your Word and in harmony with each other. Bless the leaders and bring forth new and growing believers” (1 Corinthians 12:12,13).
Christian students. “Grant the Christian students who attend this school wisdom and boldness in living out their faith. Help them share effectively the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with their classmates” (1 Timothy 4:12).
A chosen generation. “Father, may your kingdom come. From the students at this school, raise up a generation of people who worship you in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23,24; 1 Peter 2:9).
An open door. “Lord, may there be an open door in this school for the gospel to be shared with students and staff. Allow full advantage to be taken of every opportunity to name the name of Jesus” (Matthew 7:7; 1 Corinthians 16:9).

I encourage you to join me in prayers for the school year. Let us see God do the extraordinary this year!

Until next time…

Love. “Father, may the students and staff of this school experience Your love through the Christians they know in profound and authentic ways” (John 13:35).

Truth. “Lord, release truth in this school. Help students to rightly discern truth and not believe false teachings” (Proverbs 23:23).

School board. “I pray blessings on each school board member (try to pray for them by name). Father, may your will be done at board meetings” (Romans 13:1).

Principal. “May (name of principal) recognize the God-given responsibility he/she has for the best interests of the children who attend the school. May (name of principal) walk in wisdom, integrity, grace, and truth” (Proverbs 2:1-11).

Failing students. “Lord, I ask you to encourage those children who are struggling with their studies. Strengthen their minds. Help their teachers and parents know how to help them learn. Protect them from feelings of worthlessness and shame” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

Violence. “Lord, stay the hand of violence against the children and staff of this school. Dismantle any plan to bring harm to them. Expose any weapon brought into the school premises and render it harmless” (Psalm 34:7; 54:1).

Christian students. “Grant the Christian students who attend this school wisdom and boldness in living out their faith. Help them share effectively the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with their classmates” (1 Timothy 4:12).

A chosen generation. “Father, may your kingdom come. From the students at this school, raise up a generation of people who worship you in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23,24; 1 Peter 2:9).

An open door. “Lord, may there be an open door in this school for the gospel to be shared with students and staff. Allow full advantage to be taken of every opportunity to name the name of Jesus” (Matthew 7:7; 1 Corinthians 16:9).

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