How do we, as educators, literally adopt a refreshed mindset when it comes to prayer, praying, interceding, and/or asking God for our educational needs as we approach the 22-23 school year?  After all, this is a year like no other.  I think I can confidently make this assertion simply because we are driving out of a winding road of COVID uncertainty NOW that we realize that the attempts to educate this generation CAN get worse. Who knew?  God knew.

Let’s rethink prayer according to the scriptures.  The book of Hebrews gives us this bit of understanding:

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

(Hebrews 4:16) 

What encouraging words jump out to you?  The idea behind the first five words speaks volumes to me: LET US THEN APPROACH GOD!  If we are to change our outlook on prayer, we have to know who we’re talking to.  I believe this is why eternal life is so essential and defined as to know Him, the only true God and Jesus Christ who He sent (John 17:3).

Is the God of the Bible alive or dead, extraordinary or unexceptional, almighty or weak?  As we read the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, we get a bird's eye view of an incredible God whose resume revitalizes our passion to approach His throne of grace in the morning, at noon, or at night.

Prayer isn't an activity that requires a microphone or a loudspeaker but it does require confidence. We find examples of individuals looking up because God is over us like a parent overseeing a child. Since the Lord Jesus is near and he promises to never leave us nor forsake us, a slight movement of our head brings about enough acknowledgment to our Father, Friend, Healer, Teacher, Counselor, Lord, Deliverer, Restorer, and Giver of Life.

While our back-to-school list may include Kleenex, hand sanitizer, and school supplies, the invitation to approach God’s throne of grace embraces grace, mercy, and help in our time of need. There isn’t one school district that doesn’t need a supply of grace or a huge budget of mercy from the Creator and Maker of all things.  

This year, let us top the hustle and bustle of each school day with confident and intentional prayers before the morning announcement.