As the school year swiftly approaches, it is not only a time when students are preparing for the months ahead, but the teachers as well. They give so much and will need our support and prayers as they prepare to shift back into things for another school year. Teachers play a vital role in fostering and cultivating young minds, and they will need our prayers and encouragement.
1. Prayers for the Burnt-Out Teachers
Father God,
After years of a global pandemic with COVID-19, it has become a common sentiment among teachers that they are tired and worn, even after summer breaks. Lord, we pray that You would pour Your Spirit upon them to be rejuvenated and ready for this next semester. Please cover them with assistance where needed and resources so that they can feel and see provision tangibly. Remind them that their work is not in vain, but it equips and supplies the next generation with the knowledge and tools they will need in the future. We thank You, Lord, for our teachers and those who sacrifice so much for our children.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
2. Prayers for New Teachers
Father God,
Any new position can be both exciting and terrifying to step into. As new teachers enter the new season placed before them, we pray that they will feel You walking alongside them. In challenging or new scenarios, give them wisdom and understanding so the best results can be brought forth. Help them to have grace for themselves as they make mistakes, for mistakes open the door of opportunity for them to learn. Lord, we also pray that they feel internal and holy confidence that can only be rooted and cultivated from You that they have been called into teaching for a specific reason and time.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
3. Prayers for Teachers Juggling Much This Year
Father God,
Teachers wear many hats in their jobs. Somedays, it is instruction, others discipline, and sometimes it is a soft and caring ear to listen. It can be a lot for one person to manage and carry, and it often is neglected or forgotten by others just how much teachers do. Lord, we pray for teachers as they handle all of their responsibilities. Please give them insight into how to handle difficult situations and instruction on how to operate in the manner you see fit, whether that is offering grace and love or biblical rebuke where necessary. Remind them of James 1:5 "in times of If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." Lord, you graciously give wisdom when we ask, and we pray that you would implore the hearts of teachers to lean on Your wisdom and understanding when there is so much on their plate.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
4. Prayers for Teacher's Stamina
Father God,
We all have times when we need help refilling our cups, times when our stamina grows weak, and we are unable to supply ourselves with what is necessary to keep going. Father God, we pray specifically for the energy and comfort of teachers. Teachers are truly selfless people who pour out daily to their students and those around them. Their cups can be quickly drained as they pour out into so many. Lord, be their source of all which they need. May the be like the widow in 2 Kings 4 that saw the oil supplied without running dry to which she needed. Lord, enhance their portions to be exactly what they need to keep going, make a difference in this world, and not grow weary or tired, for we remember that You make that possible. Make them like Isaiah 40:31, "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." We thank You, Father God, for Your goodness.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
5. Prayers for Connection with Students
Father God,
We pray for the connections made with students this coming year. Lord, a teacher often serves as a vessel of kindness, goodness, and a representation of You in a child's life. Many times, a child will recall the impact a teacher made on their young and impressionable life. Father, we pray for these connections and the fruit that may come from them. Let these conversations be ones rooted in Your truth and goodness. Let the hearts and minds of these children see first-hand that there is good in this world, and we pray that they will be encouraged to live in an honorable and wholehearted way because of the inspiration of teachers. May the impact left be that of a snowflake, one of a mark, but not a stain. We pray that the assigned teachers and students would be of Your doing and Your placement that whoever needs to be in a class shall be in that class. We trust Your divine plans.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
6. Prayers for Fruit
Father God,
We pray for the fruit that is to be grown and harvested this school year through teachers and their intentional work with students. Lord, we pray Your anointing and blessing upon the fields, the seeds, and the harvest so that all may be of Your heart and mind. Thank You that there is an opportunity in this day and age where children have the chance to learn and grow and thank You that You have called up teachers to take on the task of education. May the work of their hands be blessed by You. Lord, we also pray that it would be evident to teachers the impact they make and how their work is not in vain but is making a lasting impression that will span generations onward because of the daily work of the classroom. Make it vividly clear to them that their positions and careers matter so much in our world; what a gift they are to not only the children in their classes this year but to the seeds of goodness they plant that will grow for years to come.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Closing Thoughts
Teachers deserve our respect, admiration, and support, however and wherever we can offer it. They selflessly give so much so that the children they instruct can grow to be the best they can possibly be. Make it a habit not only to lift up teachers at the beginning of the year but to often pray for them that they may have all they need throughout the year to live out the lives they have been called into for their careers. Ask the Lord, too, how you can help them to feel loved, seen, and appreciated throughout the year, not just a single week during the year, so that they can see that they impact more than just the children they teach.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Drazen Zigic
Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Her works have been featured on "The 700 Club Interactive," “Jesus Calling Blog,” and “Coffee and Bible Time,” among several notable outlets. She served as a mentor for young women for several years and enjoys challenging women to develop deeper relationships with God and to live fearlessly and authentically. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, having genuine chats over coffee, and woodworking. Her new book, The Wallflower That Bloomed, is available everywhere now. Connect with Cally: @CallyLogan Instagram CallyLogan.com