As far back as I can remember, teachers have shaped my life.

In second grade, Mrs. Barber invited me to an after-school poetry club, planting a love for alliteration and rhyme in my eight-year-old soul. In fifth grade, Mrs. Ball noticed when I flunked a history test — a red flag for a straight-A student. She kept me in at recess and hugged me as the stress of my parents’ divorce spilled out in tears.

In middle school, Mrs. Lunsford fueled my imagination and always said yes when I pitched creative ideas, like writing a song about the thirteen colonies. In high school, Mr. Allison modeled both passion for literature and deep care for his students. He wrote in my yearbook that I could be the next Hemingway, Fitzgerald, or whoever I wanted to be. And in graduate school, Dr. Bentz walked beside me as an aspiring author, generously sharing knowledge and encouragement as I stepped into the publishing world.

Each of these teachers saw me. And I thank God for them.

Now, as a mom of three, my gratitude for kind, enthusiastic, and dedicated teachers has only grown. I’m grateful for Mrs. Halbert, who noticed my son’s reading struggles and offered the extra support he needed. For Mr. Vigil, who celebrated another son’s out-of-the-box thinking — making space for his wiggles and quirks instead of trying to contain them. For Mrs. Cliffe, who loved her students as if they were her own kids, and called out strengths in my child that I hadn’t yet seen.

And those are just a few glimpses. They don’t capture the countless hours and endless creativity so many amazing teachers pour out. They don’t reflect the weight of discipline challenges, tight budgets, hard mornings, or long nights grading papers.

Teachers are amazing. And they need our prayers.

Whether your kids are in public school, private school, or learning at home, commit to praying for their teachers… even if that teacher is you. And if you don’t have kids, your prayers are still powerful. Think back to the teacher who shaped you — or the one you wish you had.

Let’s lift them up together:

A Prayer for Teachers

Dear God,

Thank You for teachers. Thank You for the men and women who spend their lives nurturing and investing in the next generation. As their days once again fill with bell schedules and lesson plans, mark their hearts with love, patience, and enthusiasm for their students.

Bless each teacher with eyes to see the best in every child. Give them words to encourage, tools to equip, and the ability to spark a love for learning.

Prepare them for the challenges ahead. Empower them to be counselors, conflict diffusers, hope givers, and prayer warriors.

As teachers pour themselves out over essays and equations, ABCs and 123s, pour Yourself into them. Fill them with hope, courage, wisdom, and joy. Surround them with supportive parents, colleagues, and administrators who will champion their calling and value their efforts.

Grant teachers lavish grace for the tasks at hand. Beyond benchmarks and standards, help them to work diligently and love their students deeply — as unto You.

Bless this school year, Lord, and bless every person who wears the beautiful and noble badge of Teacher.

Amen.

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”
Philippians 1:3 (NIV)

Tell us about a teacher who made a lasting impact on your life — or your child’s — and what you remember most about them!

 

Listen to today’s devotion here & share this article or podcast episode with a teacher you love.

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*From the (in)courage archives. 

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