To My Student:

As I step into this school year, my heart yearns for you to know that I pray for you. I pray over the desks you will occupy and I pray as I walk the hallway you too will walk. I pray for you beginning with my first cup of coffee all the way through the last.

But today I want you to know more. I want you to know how I will be specifically praying for you all year long.

I pray you would know you are loved. By me as your teacher, but more so by your Creator. Did you know that there is nothing you could ever do to make Jesus love you more or love you less? He loves you right where you are at. I pray this truth would penetrate your very being and that your knowledge of it would be evident to all.

I pray you would have courage to learn. I pray you would take the risks embedded in the many positive opportunities presented to you, but that you would also have the confidence to approach the difficulty amongst them that inevitably lie ahead. My student, embrace your intelligence and potential, for the results will be filled with rewards.

I pray you would be empowered to do the things you were created to do; that you would go forth in your learning knowing you have permission to discover, determine, and decide.

I pray you would learn more than what is in your textbooks. Learn grace and truth, how to love and encourage, and know this world needs what you offer for no one else can offer it.

I pray that as God goes before you in all of the unknown difficulties that will arise this year, He will provide moments of peace, grace, and assurance amidst them all.

I pray that when you feel like a complete failure or loser, you would be revived and in turn be resilient, knowing that you were fearfully and wonderfully made.

I pray that when the joyful successes arrive, you will be able to fully celebrate them. I also pray that there will be many for us all to celebrate.

I pray you would not be defined by your performance, but instead be defined as God does. You are his child, and you are viewed through the work done on the cross--holy and righteous.

I pray you would be seen and heard by those surrounding you, for I know you have something important to do and say.

I pray that I, as your teacher, will love you as you need to be loved. I pray you know that I am on your team and am ready to support you. However, in the moments when I fail, I pray you will forgive me and run to the Lord whose love is perfect.

My precious student, you are loved and seen. In turn, would this truth spur you on to love, learn and live.

Love,