Posts about Prayers for Teachers

Good morning, Father.

February 18 is Ash Wednesday. It is the beginning of the church season of Lent, a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. Lent is a somber time in the church where we reflect on the great sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf because of His love.

In biblical times, people in mourning would often put on “sack clothes of ashes.” These were symbols of sorrow. A reminder that we were formed from the dust of the earth, and it is to the dust of the earth we will return. Jesus died to save us from the consequences of our sin.

There is much to ponder and reflect upon. Below are 40 things you might consider giving up for Lent not only this year, but for the rest of your life. (Source: Phil Ressler, 2015, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd)

1.  Fear of Failure-You don’t succeed without experiencing failure. Just make sure you fail forward.

2.  Your Comfort Zone-It’s outside our comfort zone where new discoveries are made.

3.  Feelings of Unworthiness-You are fearfully and wonderfully made by your Creator.

4.  Impatience-God’s timing is the perfect timing.

5.  Retirement-As long as you are breathing, you are here for a reason.

6.  People Pleasing-I can’t please everyone. There is only One I need to strive to please.

7.  Comparison-I have my own unique contribution to make and there is no one like me.

8.  Blame-I am not going to pass the buck. I will take responsibility.

9.  Guilt-I am loved by Jesus, and He has forgiven my sins.

10.  Over commitment-Do less better and accomplish more.

11.  Lack of Counsel-Wise decisions are rarely made in a vacuum.

12.  Impurity-Live lives pure and without blemish.

13.  Entitlement-Neither the world nor God owes me anything. Live in humility and grace.

14.  Apathy-Life is too short not to care.

15.  Hatred-Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

16.  Negativity-I will put the best construction on everything when it comes to other people.

17.  The Spirit of Poverty-Believe that with God there is always more than enough and never a lack.

18.  Going Through the Motions-The more you invest yourself, the more you will get back.

19.  Complaint-Instead of contributing to the problem, be the solution.

20.  The Pursuit of Happiness-God wants something greater and more lasting than happiness; it is called joy.

21.  Bitterness-The only person I am hurting by holding on to this is myself.

22.  Distraction-Life is filled with distractions that will take our eyes off the prize.

23.  Giving Up-God never gives up on us.

24.  Mediocrity-If you are going to do something, then give it all you got.

25.  Destructive Speech-Encourage one another.

26.  Busyness-It is a badge of honor to be busy, but that does not always translate to abundance.

27.  Loneliness-With Jesus I am never alone. He is with me wherever I go.

28.  Disunity-If two of you agree on earth about anything, it will be done for them by the Heavenly Father.

29.  The Quick Fix-Rarely does true transformation happen over night.

30.  Worry-God is in control and worry will not help.

31.  Idolizing-Don’t assign anyone a standard they cannot live up to.

32.  Resistance to Change-Change is certain. It is not if we will change, but how we will change.

33.  Pride-Blessed are the humble.

34.  Small View of God-Don’t tell God how big your problem is, tell your problem how big your God is.

35.  Envy-My value is not found in my possessions, but in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.

36.  Ungratefulness-You have been blessed in a way greater than you realize.

37.  Selfish Ambition-God has a mission for me that is bigger than me.

38.  Self-Sufficiency-Jesus is my strength. I can do all things through Him.

39.  Sorrow-Weeping may tarry for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

40.  My Life-Whoever loves his life loses it and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

In the power of Jesus’ name, Amen.

Good morning, Father. These are my thoughts and prayers for Your preschool workers.

Well, it’s almost here–Valentine’s Day. Commercials on TV inundate us with what to give to our loved one: cards, candy, flowers, dinner out, or jewelry. Any of these would be a priceless gift from the one you love.

But I have to ask, Have you opened your Valentine from God? When you open the Bible with that scarlet thread woven from beginning to end, many treasures can be found; one being His Voice. When you hear God speak to you in His Word, there is recognition in your soul of the One who created you and loves you.

Do you want to enjoy a sense of well being? Hear His Voice.

Do you want to think clearly about things? Hear His Voice.

Do you want to keep on course and have hope? Hear His Voice.

Do you want to be reminded of what your purpose is on earth? Hear His Voice.

The more you hear His Voice, the easier it is to recognize. Now that is a priceless Valentine given to you with extravagant love.  XOXO, your Father God.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ ” (Isaiah 30:21)

In the power of Jesus’ name, Amen.

Good morning, Father.

You know how much children love to sing. One of their favorite action songs is “This Little Light of Mine.”

I just imagine that listening to their sweet voices brings a smile to Your heart. With this in mind, let our children’s hearts cling to you with a passion that cannot be put out. Just like the song says, “Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”

“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8)

In the power of Jesus’ name, Amen.

Good morning, Father.

Father, I pray that the children I encounter this week will become a reflection of Your grace as he or she grows in Your Word. May they also grow in the knowledge of Jesus as their Savior.

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.” (2 Peter 3:18)

In the power of Jesus’ name, Amen.

Good morning, Father.

I love you Lord because . . . Psalm 116.

Lord, it is important to teach the children that I encounter to love You. One of the best ways to do this is to instill in these young hearts a love for God’s Word. Help me to teach them who God and Jesus are. Father, let the children that I encounter grow in Your Word; let it be sweeter than honey, more precious than gold.

In the power of Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for you; you are complete in Him.

Praise God, will you never learn My Love . . .

Jesus is the Redeemer.*
You are rescued.

Jesus is the Bread of Life.
You are fed.

Jesus is the Light of the World.
You are guided.

Jesus is the Door of the Sheep.
You are accepted.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
You are cared for.

Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.
You are filled with hope.

Jesus is the Mighty God.
You are safe.

Jesus is the Way.
You are secure.

Jesus is the Life.
You are whole.

Jesus is the Truth.
You are certain.

Jesus is the True Vine.
You have everything you need.

“You are complete in Him.” (Colossians 2:10, New King James Version)
(*From Roy Lessin devotional Meet Me in the Meadow)

In the power of Jesus’ name, Amen.

Good morning, Father.

I want to dance with You through 2015!

Dancing with God
When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing “dance” at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God’s will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn’t flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It’s as if the two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word Guidance. When I saw “G,” I thought of God, followed by “u” and “I.”  God, you, and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God’s blessings and mercies are upon you on this day and every day. May you abide in God, as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.

“The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.”  Habakkuk 3:19

In the power of Jesus’ name, Amen.

Good morning, Father.

THE BELL

I KNOW WHO I AM.

I am God’s child. ( John 1:12)

I am Christ ‘s friend. ( John 15:15 )

I am united with the Lord. (1 Cor. 6:17)

I am bought with a price. (1 Cor. 6:19-20)

I am a saint (set apart for God).     (Eph. 1:1)

I am a personal witness of Christ.      (Acts 1:8)

I am the salt & light of the earth.   (Matt. 5:13-14)

I am a member of the body of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:27)

I am free forever from condemnation.  (Rom. 8: 1-2)

I am a citizen of heaven.  I am significant.  (Phil. 3 :20)

I am free from any charge against me.    (Rom. 8:31 -34)

I am a minister of reconciliation for God. (2 Cor. 5:17-21)

I have access to God through the Holy Spirit.     (Eph. 2:18)

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms.     (Eph. 2:6)

I cannot be separated from the love of God.    (Rom 8:35-39)

I am established, anointed, sealed by God.     (2 Cor 1:21-22 )

I am assured all things work together for good.    (Rom. 8:28 )

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.     ( John 15:16 )

I may approach God with freedom and confidence.   (Eph.  3: 12 )

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  (Phil. 4:13 )

I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life.      (John 15: 1-5)

I am God’s temple. (1 Cor. 3: 16)   I am complete in Christ.        (Col. 2: 10)

I am hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3).  I have been justified. (Romans 5:1)

I am God’s co-worker. (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1) I am God’s workmanship. (Eph. 2:10)

I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)

I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God’s child. (Eph. 1:5)

I belong to God.

Do you know

Who you are?

Merry Christmas, Christ is born!

In the power of Jesus’ name, Amen.

Good morning, Father.

There are several Christmas songs on the radio that sing about joy. So, I have to ponder, what is joy? The world’s view of joy is that of an emotion, produced by external circumstances. Biblical joy is produced internally by the Holy Spirit. It is a sure knowledge of truth.

Roy Lesson writes:

The JOY of Christmas is JESUS

Jesus Christ is . . .

 The message of all that God has to say to us
The fullness of all that God has to give us
The essence of all that God wants us to be.

Jesus, the word of God incarnated
The image of God revealed
The fullness of God imparted
The glory of God reflected
The grace of God extended
The power of God demonstrated
The heart of God expressed
The love of God manifested
The salvation of God provided

“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)

In the power of Jesus’ name, Amen.

Good morning, Father.

When I put out the Nativity set in my home and remove each piece, I can’t help but wonder at this odd assemblage of people. I have to wonder, what kind of relationship with God did they have to merit such a prominent roll in His story?

First, let’s take out Baby Jesus and place Him in the manger in a stable. Stables, being dark and dirty, remind us of the kind of place the Messiah has come. A stable is not the kind of place you would expect the Savior, Christ, and Lord to be born.

Next to Jesus, I’ll place His mother, Mary. Although a young girl when she was told of God’s plan for her life, she responded with faith, obedience, and praise.

Then there is Joseph, Mary’s husband. We remember that he was a righteous man. His faith, being stronger than his circumstances, led to obedience to what was revealed to him.

In the corner of the stable, I place the shepherds. They were open to God’s message of hope, readily heard the angels’ Good News, and immediately responded as they set out to find the Babe.

I put the Magi (the wise men) outside the stable. They followed the star and didn’t reach Jesus until at least two years after His birth. The Magi were overjoyed to find Jesus with his mother, Mary. Upon arrival they bowed, worshiped Jesus, and gifted Him with treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Again this year, I have placed a figurine of a girl in the stable. She represents me. I have to ask myself, how do I respond to God’s interruptions in my life? If my life is connected to Him, I, too, will respond out of faith and obedience and with praise. Being in partnership with God for His redemption purposes is a precious gift to bring Jesus. “O Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ The Lord.”

“I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.”   (Jeremiah 10:23)

In the power of Jesus’ name, Amen.