Scripture: Proverbs 22:17-18 (the Message)
Listen carefully to my wisdom; take to heart what I can teach you. You’ll treasure its sweetness deep within; you’ll give it bold expression in your speech.
Thought and Prayer for the Day: Yesterday, I offered a prayer for students beginning a new school year. Today, I want to reflect and pray for those who will be providing guidance as part of the educational team — class room teachers, administrators, custodians, bus drivers, aids and assistants, cafeteria workers, volunteers, etc. Amidst all the general complaining, threats of budget cuts, concerns around standardized testing and violence, there is some pretty marvelous work happening in the classrooms and hallways of our schools. This work can be enhanced when it is surrounded and encouraged with prayer.
May your spirit, Lord, be a mentor to those who help to educate our young people. May these educators do more than keep peace in the classroom…may they shape the minds and bodies of those who could become voices for peace through knowledge and empowerment. Amidst the diversity of the classroom, there is a great assortment of personal struggles and fears. Each child has a story, yet too many of them have stories void of love and hope. Continue to provide an extra measure of patience to each educator, especially when a child’s struggle is expressed in unhealthy or destructive ways. Provide them a discerning spirit that knows when to be merciful, when to push accountability and when to do some of both. Continue to motivate their own learning so that the classroom remains a vibrant and stimulating environment. Most importantly, Gracious God, provide each of them a glimpse of the difference they are making in the world. Allow them to remain hope-filled vessels by which students glimpse their own potential and live into it. Amen.
SEE YOU TOMORROW
IN WORSHIP
…and join together
to undergird your church
with Prayer
10:45am in the Chapel
