3 Prayers You’ll Want To Keep in Your Pocket This School Year

A Prayer of Protection

We may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper;

I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

—Hebrews 13:6

Almighty God, You are powerful. You possess all authority over Heaven and earth.

This world can be a scary place. Even our schools don’t seem safe from those who do evil. God, protect my school. Put Your shield over it, and in frightening moments, blanket everyone within its walls with peace. Replace fear with the power of Your love.

Protect my students from those who would hurt them. Protect my friends and coworkers, and prompt them to look to You for peace in times of trouble.

Thank You for being the God who loves us enough to protect our souls for all eternity through Your Son, Jesus.

In His glorious name, amen.

A Prayer of Peace

Let the peace of God rule in your

hearts, to which also you were called

in one body; and be thankful.

—Colossians 3:15

Father, You are the God of peace that surpasses all understanding.

Since I work closely with so many people, conflicts are bound to arise. When they do, remind me of Your ways. Remind me of the importance of being a peacemaker because I am part of the body of Christ. Keep me from the sin of arguing, and instead help me focus on loving those around me.

God, bless my classroom with peace, and help me teach my students to speak words of kindness to one another. In the hallways remind me to speak words of encouragement to my coworkers and words of respect to our administration.

Thank You for the joy of human relationships. Thank You for sending the Prince of Peace for us all.

In His name, amen.

A Prayer of Stress Relief

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;

not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not

your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

—John 14:27

Heavenly Father, You are the Creator of this world and all its beauty. You are the God who sees me and the One who made me just for this time and place.

When I am stressed because of situations with students, decisions made by the administration, or even the amount of work teaching requires, give me Your peace. Replace the shallow reassurances of the world with Your holy presence so my heart will be calm.

Bring peace to my colleagues too. Stifle stress with Your joy. Give us a positive outlook on the future of education and keep us from being pessimistic.

In a world where daily life is often measured by stress level, thank You for providing the calm that is beyond all understanding.

In Your majestic name, amen.

Excerpted with permission from Pocket Prayers for Teachers by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

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Your Turn

The anticipation of the approaching school year may come with a backpack full of anxieties. Everything from the transition in your schedule to conflict management to wondering if your kids are on track for success. So many unknowns are piggybacked onto this season. What are you most anxious about? Do any of these prayers bring you peace? We hope so. Come share your thoughts on our blog!