Why We Should Be Praying for Our Schools

This past weekend, our church did a prayer walk at some local elementary schools.

More than ever, schools need our prayers. It is so important to pray for our schools. We are in a fierce battle for the next generation. The enemy is targeting children younger and younger. The biggest spiritual battles are being fought in our preschool and elementary schools.

The enemy is waging an all-out war to indoctrinate children with a secular worldview that is in direct conflict with a Biblical worldview. A recent report from Barna says that only 4% of students have a Biblical worldview.

One of the most important things Christians can do is to pray.

No spiritual battles are won without prayer. Prayer makes the difference. Nothing of eternal value happens without it.

How can we pray for our schools? Here are some of the things we prayed for our local schools this past weekend.

We started out by having prayer with the school's vice principal. We encouraged her and listened as she shared the many needs of the school. If we are going to see a work of God in our schools, then school administration must be part of it.

Then we divided up and walked around the school as we lifted up these items of prayer.

For God to command His angels to guard and protect the school. The battle is not against flesh and blood, but the rulers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil. (Psalm 91:11)

That schools would stand firm against the enemy. (Ephesians 6)

That students would honor and respect their teachers/coaches/ad.min.

(1 Peter 2:13-14)

For each teacher to know and believe that they are loved by God who created them. (Psalm 139:13-14) Pray that schools will have godly teachers, coaches, staff, employees, etc.

Pray that any teaching that goes against God's word, would fall on deaf ears.

Help teachers to be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and wisdom. That the school would be a light to the community, a city on a hill to all who visit or participate in school events. (Matthew 5:14)

Pray that each student will know they are loved and cherished by God. May those who do not know Jesus, experience His love and forgiveness.

(John 3:16)

That teachers would speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15)

Pray that kids will not be swayed by peer pressure, but rather stand for the truth with boldness. (1 John 3:7)

Give teachers and students wisdom. (James 1:5)

Pray for students who come from difficult home situations to be shown love, mercy and compassion. (Philippians 2:4)

Pray for students who are believers. Pray that their faith will not be shaken by those who attack it or question it.

Also, pray that students who are Christ followers will know that they are Christ's ambassadors and that God wants to use them to reach other students and even teachers. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Help students memorize your Word.

Help students respect others' beliefs without compromising their own faith.

If students encounter challenges that put their studies against their faith, remind them that God is always on their side and that He is their Wise Counselor...the Way, the Truth and the Life. God is the One who can dispel lies and deceit. Whether they face fear or danger or simply need comfort, may they always turn to God, the One Who always hears their cries, and the One who will never leave them or forsake them.

Prepare teachers' hearts to welcome and love the children and may we make sure we show them love and respect in return. Bless them, Lord, and may they see how their faithfulness will forever impact generations to come.

If you are not praying for your local schools, I want to encourage you to take the challenge and start praying for them. You will see God respond and begin working in your schools.

Pray for your schools...it will make an eternal difference.