A prayer for teachers about teaching

Dear Lord Jesus,

You are the great Teacher.
You opened minds,
explained truth,
challenged cultural norms,
welcomed questions,
defended the outcasts,
championed justice,
presented absolute truth
with absolute grace and mercy.

You loved the unlovable.
You confronted the arrogant.
You encouraged the weak.
You comforted the grieving.

You were the ultimate Teacher.
This is my wish,
my goal,
my calling–
to recognize those that need a gracious word,
to challenge those whose minds are made up.
To call students to a greater work than they have ever imagined.
(Click here to read “The Abolition of Man: i.e. The end of real education”)

Mold me into the kind of teacher you are,
as much as possible.
Give me your wisdom to recognize need,
to see beyond the subject material and personalities.

Help me see people like you see them.
Make me an instrument of your love and grace this year.
(Click here to read “Believe, love, learn: how thinking like a child could change your life.”)

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”(Romans 12: 6-8)

“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1)