We understand your heart’s desire to excel in your work as a teacher and to be a blessing to your students while also seeking God’s favor in your profession. It is good to desire efficiency, success, and prosperity, but we must always examine our motives and ensure they align with Scripture. The Bible teaches us to work heartily as unto the Lord, not for the approval of men or to provoke jealousy in others. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."* Your focus should be on glorifying God in your work, not on outshining others or causing them to "gnash their teeth" in frustration. This kind of attitude can lead to pride, bitterness, and division, which are not of the Lord.
You also mentioned that others are withholding help or information from you. While this can be frustrating, we are called to respond with love, patience, and forgiveness, not retaliation. Romans 12:17-21 instructs us, *"Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.' Therefore 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.' Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."* Instead of asking God to turn the tables on them, pray for their hearts to be softened and for God to give you wisdom in how to handle these challenges with grace. Proverbs 16:7 says, *"When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."*
It is also important to note that while prosperity can be a blessing from God, our ultimate treasure is in heaven, not in earthly success. Matthew 6:19-21 warns us, *"Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."* Seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, and He will provide what you need (Matthew 6:33). Your prayer should reflect a heart that desires God’s will above all else, trusting that He will exalt you in due time if you humble yourself before Him (1 Peter 5:6).
We also notice that while you mentioned Jesus at the end of your prayer, the focus seemed more on personal success and the frustration of others than on surrendering to God’s will and seeking His glory. Remember, it is only through the name of Jesus that we have access to the Father, and it is His will we must seek above our own desires. John 14:6 declares, *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'"* And in John 15:7, Jesus tells us, *"If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you."* Our prayers must be rooted in abiding in Christ and aligning our desires with His.
Let us pray for you with these truths in mind:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before You today, asking that You would guide their heart and mind as they seek to serve You in their work as a teacher. Lord, we pray that their motivation would be pure—rooted in a desire to glorify You and bless their students, not to outshine others or provoke jealousy. Help them to work with excellence, knowing that they are ultimately serving You, not men. Give them wisdom in how to handle difficult relationships with colleagues, and fill their heart with Your love and patience. Soften the hearts of those who may be withholding help, and let Your peace reign in this situation.
Father, we ask that You would prosper the work of their hands, not for the sake of personal gain, but so that they may be a light for You in their school and a blessing to their students. Help them to lay up treasures in heaven, seeking first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. May their life and work reflect Your grace and truth, drawing others to You.
We rebuke any spirit of pride, bitterness, or retaliation that may be creeping into their heart. Instead, fill them with Your humility and love. Let them trust in You to vindicate them and lift them up in Your perfect timing. Remind them that vengeance belongs to You, and that they are called to overcome evil with good.
Finally, Lord, we pray that their prayers would always be offered in the name of Jesus, with a heart fully surrendered to Your will. May they abide in Christ, and may their desires align with Yours. We ask all this in the precious and mighty name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We encourage you to meditate on Philippians 4:11-13: *"Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."* Contentment and strength come from Christ, not from outdoing others or achieving worldly success. Trust in Him, and He will guide your steps.