Pray for our schools

In just a few short days, very short if you’re a teacher, school will be starting and summer will officially come to a close.

The schools of Southeast Iowa will be full again and teachers and students alike will find themselves back on the educational journey.

As I drove by some local schools this past week, I found myself being led to pull over and take a moment and pray for the schools.

I found myself praying for the administration that they would make Godly decisions in regards to every student and teacher.

I prayed for teachers that they would understand that the profession that they chose is more than a job but a divine calling they were specifically designed for.

I prayed for the staff, cooks, para professionals, and custodians, that they would understand just how important their presence is to every student.

I prayed for the bus drivers and district maintenance workers, that they would see just how impactful they are on the students and faculty.

Why am I telling you who I prayed for and why? It is because every person, regardless if you have students in school or not, needs to be praying for our schools.

Prayer is wonderful and it works. However, prayer without action is meaningless.

Several people have commented on how chaotic and different the educational system is as it relates to when they were in school, but have you noticed that individuals and families have changed dramatically over the past several years?

Our students find themselves needing to acquire, understand and apply information at over 10 times the amount that we did in our childhoods. What used to be first grade skills are now needed to begin kindergarten.

The pressure to perform academically and fit in socially have created anxiety filled students who are afraid that one mistake will ruin them.

Teachers are under pressure to have their students perform at high levels or face the consequences.

While some of these are perceptions, all create stress and tension. That is why we need to pray for our schools and volunteer to serve.

Edmund Burke is quoted saying, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in the world is that good men do nothing.”

Understandably, this may be a bit on the harsh side, but if we as a society sit by and throw stones at the educational system and do not take steps to help, then we are guilty of allowing evil to abound and our students and teachers take the brunt of the onslaught.

Teaching is a God given call on a person’s life. It is more than imparting knowledge. Educating and engaging students effects their entire life.

Proverbs 16:16 says How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather and silver. We can and must partner with our schools and our teachers.

So, how do we do more than pray? I am so glad you asked.

First, if you know an educator or someone in education, ask them what they need. Most educators have a list of needs they would be happy to share with you in any format you would like.

Second, call your school and set up a time to meet with the principal, dean of students, or guidance counselor, ask them what avenues are available for you to become involved in school.

Third, get involved in parent/teacher organizations, partnering is what they do.

Lastly, consider volunteering consistently. Guest readers, mentors, supportive adults, extra hands in events, and countless other things can all play a massive part in changing school culture. Service organizations like Optimists Clubs, Kiwanis, and Rotary all have special affinities with local educational providers. The possibilities are numerous. Get involved.

If you have a Bible, turn to the 91st chapter of Psalms. As you read the Psalm, use it as an outline to pray over the school.

I know we are back to praying again, but this Psalm is powerful. Read and pray Psalms 91 over the schools in your neighborhood. Let the words come from your mouth out loud.

The Scripture is powerful and our prayers attached to those Scriptures are powerful as well. This school year can be different from any other one we have experienced.

The difference is not a curriculum or some well placed lesson plan, but rather each of you actively taking a part in the educational process by your support, prayers, and your activity.

It’s time to take back education and view it as the God given call it is.