It's OK To Pray

I call on the Lord in my distress, and He answers me.

Psalm 120:1

Changes are occurring every day in education. While there are some changes we can live with, there are truly some that are detrimental to the well-being and future of students and teachers alike.  Although voting, petitioning, and picketing are our rights as citizens of this country, we have an even greater right and responsibility to pray and petition the Throne of Grace on behalf of education in our country as citizens of the Kingdom of God.  

Prayer is the key to unlock the storm door to the things we need and desire. However, an intimate relationship with Jesus is the key to the actual exterior door of our lives.  Our prayers should be like conversations; talking, listening, laughing, crying, observing and hearing the heart behind the words.  You know how in some conversations, you just listen to your friend while in others they may just rant on while you patiently and sympathetically cluck and nod in agreement.  Well God is so personable that He can be spoken to anywhere, at anytime, loudly, at a whisper, or in silence. He can speak to You anyway He chooses whether it be audibly, in your heart or through another person. He will listen to your rants and the Holy Spirit will give you comfort and the right words in your heart to lead to understanding.

God seeks to communicate with you about your distresses, joys,and  things that make you perplexed, angry, sorrowful, doubtful and even fearful.  He has given us His Holy Spirit that we may commune more intimately with Him.  His word said that the "true worshipers worship Him in Spirit and in truth".

It's okay to pray to God about what is needed in education on a national, state and local level.  So dear educator, call on Him in your distress about the current state of education. Pray at your desk.  Pray as you walk the halls. Pray when you pull up in the parking lot in the morning and as you drive away in the afternoon.  Pray while you're writing your plans. Pray before entering the staff meeting or IEP meeting.  

Pray without ceasing.

He is listening.  

He will answer you. 

Pray honestly. 

Listen intently and wait for His directions and His answers.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before you today thankful that You have blessed us in this country with free public education. Thank You that our children regardless of race, religion or gender have the opportunity to be educated. While we are thankful for what many in other countries do not have, hear the cries of  Your teachers, administrators, students and parents as we seek You for justice for the withheld quality of education that many of our children are being robbed of as our government creates policies and "acts" that are difficult to uphold while they decrease their support and increase their demands.  Hear our cries against the inequalities of technology, infrastructure, staffing and standardized testing demands.  Hear our cries against the increase of violence and disrespect among our children.  Hear our cries against the demands on our personal time and our personal finances.  Lord, we need You to intervene. We need direction and wisdom from You.  We need Your supernatural strength and energy.  We need Your words, faith and perseverance in us.  Guide us as we draw closer to You.  We are casting off our cares in this prayer and acknowledging You as our Savior, Strong Tower, Shield and Strength.  

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Please enjoy this week's song:   "Pray"