Our Teachers

Repost from October 5, 2009...Pray for my computer.  It's at the doctor hoping to get resurrected.

Today’s verse: “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned…”Titus 2:6-8

Mrs. Brekke...Kyle's favorite teacher....2nd grade 2005

My kids have had some great teachers over the years. I have to give God thanks for the teachers He has placed in my kid’s lives. I am reminded of teachers who have worked hard to help my kids work through their shyness, or struggles in math or reading. Or teachers who have sat and listened to me when I’ve had those “mother moments” of concern or worries. I am thankful for the teachers who were organized and prepared for teaching every day, and came to work looking forward to the day ahead. Or teachers who echoed Christ in their lives, and in their teaching, even though they are unable to be “out loud” about their faith. God has blessed our lives with special teachers.

Teachers have such a great impact on the students under their care, and they need our prayers. There are days that are hard, students that bring extra challenge, parents that bring complaint, schedules that are full and crazy…and in this season, lots of sickness coming through their doors. I’m praying for my kid’s teachers today in a mighty way!

A Prayer for Teachers (Author Unknown)

God of Love… Thank you for every teacher who notices a child’s special gift. Thank you for teachers who are listeners and gentle guides. Thank you for teachers who expect much and love enough to demand more. Thank you for the special teacher each one of us remembers.

God of Mercy… Sustain teachers who give everything they have and feel abandoned when society expects too much. Strengthen teachers who assume the blame for so many problems beyond their control. Help exhausted teacher’s rest. 

God of Strength… Encourage teachers to care and inspire them to nourish. Motivate teachers to keep on learning for the fun of it and to make learning fun for children. 

We wonder at teachers who know how to quiet a class of five-year-olds or help fourth grade girls be empathetic. We admire teachers who enjoy middle school writers, or teach physics or math or civics. We cannot even imagine how to help every single student achieve Adequate Yearly Progress. Bless the people who are expected to accomplish these miracles and who know how to comfort children when miracles don’t happen. 

God of Justice… help our nation find a way to steward our vast wealth to support teachers in their special calling, wherever they teach and whatever the race or religion or gender or wealth of the children. 

We pray these things in the name of our great teacher, Jesus Christ. Amen.