What a year to be a teacher!
Like many other essential personnel, teachers have been on the front lines of the public response to the pandemic. They face increased personal risk, extra teaching responsibilities, and limited resources — all this after a summer “break” filled with uncertainty.
We need to pray for teachers, and Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers in Ephesians 3:14-21 provides us three specific requests we can pray.
Pray for Spirit-empowered internal strength.
As this school year starts, Christian teachers will face internal struggles. A host of battles with enemies such as fear, doubt, and worry will break out in teacher’s hearts and minds, and any additional pressures magnify these battles. Like a deep geothermal geyser, left unchecked, these internal struggles can surface, often with detrimental effects on people.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would strengthen teacher’s inner being by bringing to mind God’s promises and His power that will help through difficult circumstances.
Pray for strength to remember God’s love.
Internal strength through pressure must be rooted in God’s love. Christian teachers will be empowered for endurance as they know that their Creator and Savior loves them solely because of His character. God strengthens us through His Spirit to comprehend His love.
Pray that teachers would understand the all-encompassing scope and overwhelming fullness of God’s love. Then pray that God’s love would flow from them to their students.
Pray for confidence in God’s powerful work.
The promises for strength and comprehension of God’s love will encourage teachers only if they come from a source of limitless power — and thankfully they do. When it seems impossible that God’s love could lift you up from discouragement or God’s strength would help you act boldly, remember that He can do even more than we ask or think. So, ask your most outlandish request and bring your deepest burden—nothing can exceed God’s abilities.
Pray that teachers would have confidence to ask God for great things and then trust that He can accomplish those things for His glory.
How to communicate your prayers.
Christian teachers always need encouragement, but especially this year. More than offering a platitude of “praying for you,” why not tell your teachers specifically what you are praying for them? Pray God’s promises over your teachers and send them these promises as reminders of God’s love for them.
Your note might look something like this.
“Good morning, Mrs. _____. Thank you for teaching my child. I wanted you to know that I prayed today that the Spirit of God would strengthen you internally for the task that you are facing. I found this truth in Ephesians 3:16 ‘that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being.’ I appreciate you and have great confidence that God will keep His promises for you.”
Above all the other ways you encourage teachers this year, keep praying. Lift them up faithfully—God hears and answers.
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