Back in 2013 My husband worked for a local middle school and told me many horror stories about what went on in the school on a regular basis. I was angry about what I was hearing and organized some prayer warriors from a local ministry who gathered at the school to pray for the students and teachers. He no longer works for that school, but yesterday he was curious about what happened to several of his students and began searching the our city’s police blotter. He found 6 of his former students listed as having been arrested. Many for violent crimes. Six! These young men are only 15-17 years old. My heart broke and my anger grew as he read to me the list of heinous crimes these boys have committed. They will be tried as adults and their lives are potentially ruined.
Even though I no longer have ties to that school in any way, my heart is still drawn to praying for them. I feel called to do more than to just shake my head and wring my hands. I took it upon myself to organize a community day of prayer for our schools. Would you prayerfully consider being a part of interceding for school children in prayer? You don’t have to be present to pray with and for us. In fact, I encourage everyone to pray for students in your own communities. But if you happen to be in Durham, NC and would like to join us, here are the details.
I have a list of prayer points to get us started.
First and foremost that God would curb our human tendency to place blame, and that God would mightily intervene and mend broken places.
For Teachers
Lord, let them be effective in communicating the content of their lessons
give them inspiration for new ways to reach students
give them a sense of accomplishment after a good days work
help them to persevere through long days
give them patience with systems, policies, and hard to reach students
bless them with healthy home lives
let their weekends be restful and their personal time be refreshing
For Students
make their minds receptive for learning
let them see themselves as God\’s workmanship
grant them physical protection in the schools, on school buses, and in their homes
help them to not be overcome with fear
help them develop a spirit of self control
help them to live honestly
let them be kind in their speech
develop in them a heart of integrity
drive out a thirst for violence and replace it with a longing for love
For Administrators
strength and wisdom to enforce school rules appropriately, fairly, and consistently
ability to balance addressing the needs of students, teachers, and parents
ability to marry the requirements of the school system with realities that present themselves at school
Parents
good relationships with teachers
inspire them to step up to volunteer and be a positive presence in the school
strength to grandparents and others who are filling the role of mom and dad
for single parents with limited time, energy, and resources
that parents may train up their children in the way they should go
Community
Grateful for organizations that support schools: the children, their families, and the staff
Inspire the general community to take and interest and offer consistent support to meeting school needs