Pray For Teachers

The Back-to-School ads have started, and while they no longer remind me of school supplies and new clothes to buy, they remind me that summer is ending. But for teachers, “back to school” has a whole different meaning. It signals the many challenges and changes to come within their chosen field of work. I’m feeling that we need to pray powerful prayers for teachers as the new school year approaches.

I have taught Sunday School and Bible Club, each one day a week, for one hour. That was plenty for me; I cannot imagine herding, instructing, and encouraging an entire classroom of students for hours on end, five days a week.

That’s why God gave me nursing skills instead. 😊

Challenges Facing Teachers Today

I have helped a few times in my sister’s classroom, however (even in those Zoom classes they endured!) I also experienced students at every grade level as a nurse in a school system for quite a few years. 

These experiences gave me a tiny snapshot of some struggles, discouragements, and challenges teachers face as they carry out their important role.

Teachers make a significant impact on the lives of young people, but not without a lot of preparation, patience, and hard work!

They are truly special people. Their role in shepherding the academic and behavioral goals of their students requires the patience of Job and the wisdom of Solomon. 

No matter if our children attend public schools or private schools, praying for teachers is of utmost importance.

Let’s use the power of prayer to make a great impact and support our teachers this school year. You may want to even involve your children in praying some of these prayers.

Back to School Prayer for Teachers

Dear God,

We ask you to bless my children’s teachers on their first days back in their classrooms. Bless them abundantly for their dedication to shaping the lives and minds of countless children placed in their care. Encourage them daily as they help each student explore, grow, and learn. Protect them from feelings of discouragement or defeat. Help them feel appreciated and valued for the gifts they bring to their students and families.
Amen

Prayers for Teachers

•Pray that they return to school refreshed and healthy.

Many teachers spend their summers teaching summer school or working second jobs. They may serve on committees that meet year-round and spend time preparing for a new school year.

•Pray for them as they prepare their classrooms.

Some will have the added stress of moving classrooms (it’s a lot of work!) or lack supplies they need. They spend hours updating the décor and design for an organized and welcoming space.

•As staff reconnects (teachers, administrators, etc.), pray for a spirit of unity, consensus, and working together cohesively.

•Teachers have families to care for, homes to keep up, and would like a social life! Pray for their work/life balance.

Prayer for Wisdom for Teachers

•A new school year can bring new curriculum and new standardized testing standards. Those switching grade levels have many additional burdens. Pray for wisdom and clear direction.

•Pray for the Meet the Teacher night to be a welcoming and fun evening. Pray for good first impressions as parents, students, and teachers meet.

•Pray for those students who bring their issues from chaotic homes into the classroom. Pray that the teachers will have the extra help they need in identifying their students’ limitations and meeting their unique needs.

•Pray for the teacher’s endless tasks- lesson plans, report card entry, staff meetings, emails, newsletters, PTA involvement, etc., to not become overwhelming.

Dear Lord,

I pray for an abundance of your wisdom for teachers. Their classrooms come with children from many backgrounds. Show them how to best meet the needs of each child you have placed there. Give them the time and resources to do their work well. Give them the knowledge, skill, and grace to overcome student’s limitations and be the bright light each one needs. Bless them for the impact they make on generations of your children. Amen.

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Prayers for Protection and Peace

•Pray for protection over each teacher, classroom, staff member and student.

Heavenly Father,

We pray for your divine spiritual and physical protection over {my child’s school.} Jesus, you are a mighty fortress; protect and shield this school from all evil and danger. May this learning space be one of safety and filled with your peace. Calm any anxious heart; replace it with a bold confidence in you, our protector and Savior.

Amen

•Corralling and imparting knowledge to a group of students, who all learn in different ways and at a different pace, can be a struggle. It can also be emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausting. Pray for peace and a healthy balance in each classroom.

Lord God,

Thank you for each teacher in this school. Help them be the gentle guide our students need, the strong encouragers who inspire our students, and the motivators that make learning fun. Sustain them as they pour into our students’ day after day. Inspire them daily as they make a difference in children’s lives. Give them the rest, peace, and strength they need to recharge for the next school day. Amen.

•You may read this and not yet know the name of your child’s teacher. Your child (or niece, or nephew, grandchild, etc.) may be high school or college-age with many teachers.

God knows and sees these teachers, whether you pray for them by name or “their teacher.” Just pray.

Short Prayer for School

When you are out driving and pass by a school, you can send up a quick prayer for the educators and school staff in that building.

God equally hears these simple “arrow” prayers you send up as you pass by a school as the prayers you fervently pray on your knees. 

There may be someone in that school building who needs prayer at just that moment!

Father God,

I pray for {this school;} its teachers, students, and school staff right this moment. Make it a safe place to learn and grow. Fill the staff with an abundance of your wisdom and grace as they deal with the challenges of the day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Verses for Teachers

The heart of a teacher uses their God-given gifts to give abundantly, see potential in each student, create a safe environment to learn, and love students. Yet they also face discouragement- from the students, parents, and even staff members in their own schools.

Give them the encouragement and strength they need by praying these Scriptures over them:

● “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.” Isaiah 40:31.

●“Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23

●“Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.” Deuteronomy 32:2

●“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

●“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13. Pray that this gift radiates from your child’s teacher.

 ●“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9.“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech…” Titus 2:7-8

Prayer for a Teacher’s Day

Here’s a simple daily prayer you can use for your child’s teacher:

Dear Jesus,

 Impart a spirit of wisdom, courage, perseverance, and joy to my child’s teacher today. Help them as they lay the foundations of the lessons they need to teach. Encourage them as they give selflessly of their time and talents so that our children can thrive in their school environment. May they work well together today to accomplish what they need to learn. Amen.

God Bless Teachers

There is much that goes on “behind the scenes” that we do not see, but we know God has His eye on each teacher and classroom.

Almighty God,

We ask you to bless and uplift teachers as they experience all the highs and lows in their classrooms. Bless them abundantly for their dedication to shaping the lives and minds of countless children placed in their care. Encourage them daily as they help each student explore, grow, and learn. Protect them from feelings of discouragement or defeat. Help them feel appreciated and valued for the amazing gifts they bring to their students and families.
Amen

Teachers are facing unprecedented challenges in the classroom today. The best way we can support, honor, and strengthen them is to pray for them!

Blessings!

AnnMarie

All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.