Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this school and the community within it. Thank you for bringing my students to this classroom safely, and for the ability to give them food for their bellies and activities to stretch their minds.

I pray for humility as I learn from my mentor teachers. Please give me a discerning heart so I know when to incorporate the teaching practices I observe and when to rely on my own knowledge.

Allow me to recognize when to push my students’ thinking and when to give them grace. Help me find the right words to say as I encourage Your children to think critically, explore freely, and care for each other always. Provide me with an awareness of my biases and privileges so I can provide equitable education.

For those who don’t know You, Lord, I pray that they catch a glimpse of You and Your everlasting love. I pray that my students learn that they were made perfect in Your image, God, and that their unique talents are part of Your perfect design.

For those who return to broken homes, I pray that they learn that their reality is not indicative of their value. For those who are struggling with big emotions, Lord I ask that you give me the tools to help me share my peace with them.

If danger strikes today, Lord, let me shelter my students and protect them from harm. Allow me to highlight their strengths and support them in their struggles. Above all else Lord, let me look to You and Your infinite wisdom always.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.