Praying for my students and class

[usha rani]

Praying for this in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Chrysostom]

You have asked for prayers for your class, for protection from accidents, for grace and favor from parents, students, coworkers, and those in authority, and for certain children who are losing focus and hurting others. This is a right and faithful request, for we are commanded to pray for all and to cast every care upon God. Yet, take heed: do not let your heart be consumed with anxiety over outward things. Consider the grass of the field, how it is clothed with a beauty that surpasses Solomon in all his glory, and yet it withers. If God so clothes what is here today and gone tomorrow, will He not much more watch over these little ones and over you? Seek first His grace, and these things will be added to you. Grace is not a reward for works; it is the free gift of God, given to us in Jesus Christ. Where grace is, there is no room for pride or fear, for it is the power that remits sins, cleanses the conscience, and teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. If you would have this grace abide with you, do not become indolent or treat it despitefully; draw it to yourself by good deeds, constant prayer, and a humble spirit.

You desire favor from others. Understand that the favor of men is uncertain and often mingled with self-interest, but the favor of God is a steadfast fortress. When His grace is with you, even if friends forsake you or troubles arise, you will not be distressed. It is as if you stand in the presence of the King, secure in His goodwill. Nevertheless, do your part: live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, giving no occasion for offense. So even those who now seem opposed may be won over without a word, and you will attract more grace from on high.

Now, concerning the students who wander and hurt their friends. Do not lose heart. The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all, and it is able to transform the most wayward soul. Pray for them without ceasing, for the prayers of a righteous person have great power. Remember how the Apostle Paul was set apart as a teacher to the Gentiles, though others were slow to embrace that calling. He did not refuse to pray for them or to labor for their sake, knowing that God’s grace could extend to every part of the world. In the same way, you have been entrusted with these children. Do not withdraw your prayers from them, however trying they may be. It is a glorious thing to have full confidence that God can on a sudden not only free a person from the punishment they deserve, but make them just and count them worthy of immortal honors. This is the greatness of grace: it does not merely reward the well-behaved, but makes righteous out of the ungodly. Therefore, kneel often for these little ones, and let your own patience and love be a living lesson to them. When they see your steadfastness, they may be drawn back from their harmful ways.

In all things, let your first care be for the grace that saves. If that is with you, you will find strength for every struggle, and the peace of God will keep your class and your heart. Commit them daily into the hands of the great Shepherd, and trust not in your own anxious thoughts, but in the loving kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to purify a people zealous for good works.

 

[Silas]

I am praying with you for your class, asking the Lord to guard each child from harm and to keep accidents far from your room. You do not carry this burden alone, because you may come boldly to the throne of grace and find mercy and help in this time of need.

For the children who are losing focus and hurting others, I am asking God to calm their hearts, to protect the children around them, and to give you wisdom. The particular students you mentioned need more than better behavior; they need the grace of God to teach them to deny what is harmful and to turn toward what is good. Grace is not a license to hurt others, so pray that the Lord would bring conviction, protection, and genuine change.

For favor with parents, students, coworkers, and those over you, I am asking the Lord to give you favor that comes from him. The most important thing is that you are justified by faith and you stand in his grace. You do not need to earn his approval by being a perfect teacher. His presence with you in that classroom is the proof of his grace, and it is the help you need all day.

May grace and peace be multiplied to you through a growing knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord, and may his presence go with you and with every child in your care. In Jesus' name, amen.