2 Timothy 1:7 encourages us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."
As parents make decisions about how to best educate and care for their children in this season, we ask, God, that you would fill them with your spirit that is bold, powerful, love-filled, and gives us the ability to have self-control. Give each parent wisdom on how to best provide an education for their children. Help them to rely on you when the unpredictability and new routines this year begin to feel like more than they can bear on their own.
Psalm 34:8 says, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"
Father, would you remind parents that you are good. Help parents to remember that even though this is a hard, strange, and difficult year, God’s goodness is still something we can all rely on. We ask that parents would find a special place of refuge in you and that you would give them the peace they need to weather this uncertain season. Amen.
6. A Prayer for Siblings and Friends
John 13:34 says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."
God, help us to show one another your love. Let your grace rest in families' homes that enables siblings to learn to love each other well as many of them are spending more time together than ever before. Help them to be each other’s support and friend during the times when being with other parts of their community is not possible.
God, give us the ability to extend our friends special grace and understanding in this year for all the extra stresses and fears that have come along with it. Help us to be slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19) so we can be those who are able to help bear the burdens of our friends and neighbors. Help those who know you to be your arms and feet to those who are feeling more anxious and overwhelmed than ever before. Amen.
We all need an extra dose of the reality of God’s love as we walk through this unusual school year. May you call out to him in your moments of difficulty. God’s word says the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective (James 5:16). That means that anyone who has accepted Jesus as their Savior has the ability to petition him in prayer.
The best part is that God hears us and will act on our behalf. God’s actions aren’t always what we expect, but we can count on the fact that He is always faithful to be present with us when we call out to him for help.
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