I have adult children in the teaching profession, one at a school near our church. Nearly 25% of that school’s young children are categorized as homeless, meaning they are living in unsuitable places, squeezed into another family’s house or in hotel rooms with no permanent address. Their world is economically and emotionally unstable, in ever-changing situations for their families. Since only four adults attend PTA meetings at that school (two of whom are staff members), the teachers there have limited resources to draw from. But, the teachers want to help kids … so they press on!
My husband’s parents were teachers, but it’s different now. Respect in classrooms is waning. Today’s culture presents truth as relative and subjective. Even in the best schools and neighborhoods, bullying, suicides, promiscuity, sexual identity issues, brokenness in family units, mass shooting fears, and substance abuse can become all too common, distorting or stealing childhoods.
John 10:10 says of Satan, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” To be honest, sometimes it feels like he’s winning. But, I know feelings are fickle, too often not grounded in TRUTH.
John 10:10 goes on to say what Jesus brings to the table - Who He IS! “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” In John 14:6 Jesus says, “…I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
What is one quick thing you can do to influence a generation of kids? PRAY!
This year, every time you drive through a school zone, pray for that school.
Pray for the students, teachers, administrators and support staff. God knows each of their names and life stories. He promises He will faithfully hear and respond to Holy Spirit led prayers! Pray LIFE into dark places. Pray people there will know Jesus, because the new life Jesus brings changes EVERYTHING!
Slow Down to 25 mph and PRAY:
- Salvation: Jesus’ saving gift of grace to be heard and received with joy.
- Love: Teachers to develop a loving understanding of individual students, discerning how to motivate them to learn.
- Respect: Students and parents to respect teachers and creatively solve problems together.
- Wisdom: Principals to have great wisdom; be able to discern truth in disciplinary matters and maintain good leadership skills with their staff, students, and parents.
- Unity: A spirit of unity at the school for all students and staff.
- Christians: To have God’s strength and wisdom to be light for Jesus in this school.
- Troubles: Any student or teacher going through difficult times WILL get help as they cry out to Him.
Who’s praying for YOUR children and their school? Want to join an army of prayer warrior women?
Moms in Prayer International impacts children and schools worldwide by gathering mothers to pray. No experience required! Come learn with us how to trust God more! Its an INCREDIBLE faith building experience as we help each other consistently bring our children to God’s throne of grace, replacing fear and worry with hope, joy and peace. We are changing the course of the next generation! Inquire to see if a group is praying for YOUR school. If you’re in the Oklahoma City area, join me at the Moms in Prayer group praying at the CUBE each Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.
You’re invited to the annual Oklahoma State Getaway, October 12-13, right on our doorstep this year at the CUBE! Register for it today and come learn more.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
Meet the Author!
Gayle Hadden and her husband, Terry, have moved back to Oklahoma City and are getting plugged into Council Road Baptist Church as home group leaders. They are parents to three adult children and their spouses and are blessed with four adorable grandchildren, one of whom she recently visited in New Zealand. Gayle loves seeing God’s hand in nature, playing with grandkids, travel, birding and chocolate (dark please!) Serving Moms in Prayer International as a USA Division Coordinator for the seven Heartland states, she’s passionate about getting children and schools covered in prayer. Email her at Heartland@MomsInPrayer.org.