Restoring Education: Praying Nehemiah 5

Based loosely on Nehemiah 5: 9 (TLV), 13 (ESV), 15 (NKJV), 19 (NKJV)

Lord, help us as teachers who follow You to rely on Your Holy Spirit to show us when methods and activities aren’t working for our students. Help us reject the false theories, strategies, and methodologies and rely on those true theories, strategies, and methodologies. Help us know when our students are in trouble and need supports outside of ourselves. Help us walk in holy reverence for You so that we may be above reproach with all who hate teachers and education.

God, shake the schoolhouse to its foundations. Remove every teacher who does not love students and knowledge and want life to the full for every pupil. Remove every pervert hiding behind the image of a paragon; remove every sluggard in the job for benefits, tenure, and retirement. Empty us of us so You can fill us with Your Son in His titles as Rabbi, Good Shepherd, and Teacher. Let us praise You when You do this, and continue to give us a heart that loves students and knowledge and desires a full life for all our pupils.

May I never overburden my students or steal the joy of life that You gave them. May they, even if they don’t know You, know that revere and honor You as God of all.

Remember me with joy and delight, O God, for all the acts of love and service You’ve given me to do for my students, even in my feeble and broken attempts to achieve them. Help me remember with gratitude that you prepared these good works for me to do before the world began.