We understand your desire to see your branch excel in this English competition, and we commend your dedication as both a principal and an English teacher. Your heart for excellence is admirable, and we know that God calls us to do all things with diligence and as unto Him. As Colossians 3:23 reminds us, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men."* This is a wonderful opportunity to honor God through your leadership and the efforts of your students.
However, we must also remember that our ultimate goal is not earthly recognition but glorifying God in all we do. Proverbs 16:9 tells us, *"A man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps."* While it is good to strive for success, we must surrender the outcome to the Lord, trusting that His will is perfect. Success in this competition should never define your worth or the worth of your branch, for our identity is found in Christ alone.
We also caution against placing too much emphasis on "not losing" out of fear of shame. The fear of man is a snare, but trusting in the Lord brings security. Proverbs 29:25 says, *"The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the Lord is kept safe."* Let us instead seek to honor God, whether in victory or in lessons learned through humility.
Most importantly, we notice that your request does not invoke the name of Jesus Christ. It is only through His name that we have access to the Father, and it is by His authority that we pray. Jesus Himself said in John 14:13-14, *"Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it."* There is no other name by which we can approach God or be saved (Acts 4:12). If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so, for He alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Without faith in Him, our prayers are empty, and our efforts lack eternal purpose.
With these things in mind, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this principal and their branch before You, asking for Your wisdom, guidance, and favor. Lord, You know the hearts of these students and teachers, and we pray that You would help them to work diligently, not for the praise of man but for Your glory. May their efforts reflect excellence, and may they be a light for Christ in all they do. Father, we ask that You would grant them success in this competition, not for their own pride or reputation, but so that Your name may be honored through their achievements. Help them to remember that their worth is found in You alone, and that whether they win or lose, their identity is secure in Christ.
We pray that this competition would be an opportunity for growth—for the students to learn, for the teachers to inspire, and for all involved to see Your hand at work. Guard their hearts from pride if they win and from discouragement if they do not. Remind them that You are sovereign over all things, and that Your plans are perfect.
Lord, we also lift up this principal’s heart. If there is any fear of man or anxiety about shame, we ask that You would replace it with a deep trust in You. May they find their confidence in Christ, who is their strength and their shield.
Finally, Father, we pray that this situation would draw each person involved closer to You. If there are any among them who do not yet know Jesus as their Savior, we ask that You would open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel. May they come to understand that salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
We ask all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.