Pocket Prayers for Teachers: 40 Simple Prayers That Bring Peace and Renewal

by Max Lucado

Overview

Do you know a Teacher who you’d like to encourage?

All the way from coloring inside the lines to calculus, teachers have given us the tools to thrive. Where would we be without them? But a teacher’s job is often a difficult one. Sometimes anxiety and exhaustion become the norm. For those in need of a little peace and renewal, Max Lucado points to the Teacher who offered just that. 

Suited for gift-giving and written especially for those special people who inspire our students, Pocket Prayers for Teachers contains

• Prayers for Inspiration and Encouragement
• Prayers for Clarity and Creativity
• Prayers for Love and Patience
• Prayers for Peace and Protection
• Prayers for Integrity and Grace
• Prayers for Strength and Endurance

Today, lift the spirits of your favorite teacher.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780718078362
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	03/08/2016
Sold by:	HarperCollins Publishing
Format:	eBook
Pages:	112
Sales rank:	1,030,122
File size:	678 KB

About the Author

Since entering the ministry in 1978, Max Lucado has served churches in Miami, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as the teaching minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is the recipient of the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry and society at large. He is America's bestselling inspirational author with more than 150 million products in print.

Visit his website at MaxLucado.com

Facebook.com/MaxLucado

Instagram.com/MaxLucado

Twitter.com/MaxLucado

Youtube.com/MaxLucadoOfficial

The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast

Read an Excerpt

Pocket Payers for Teachers

40 Simple Prayers that Bring Peace and Renewal

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By Max Lucado, Jennifer K. Hale

Thomas Nelson

Copyright © 2016 Max Lucado
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7180-7836-2

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CHAPTER 1

Prayers for Inspiration and Encouragement

1

Speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord. Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:19-20 NCV

Heavenly Father, you are the great provider, and you always take care of me. You give me reason to sing.

When I have good days, let me have a thankful heart. When my days are long and I'm tired, give me a thankful heart then too. Whether things are easy and I love my job or teaching is harder than ever and I'm questioning everything, remind me to praise you.

Also remind my coworkers what a privilege it is to be a teacher. Give them thankful hearts for the school, the leadership, their jobs, and their students.

Thank you for my job, Lord. Even on the most difficult days, I'm grateful to have it.

In your Son's precious name, amen.

2

You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

Psalm 139:13-14

Holy God, what you create is beautiful. You never make a mistake; everything you do is perfect.

Each student in my class is precious. Each one is a gift, and you created them exactly the way you wanted them to be. Help me see the beauty in your creation. Don't let me take any of them for granted.

Help the teachers and administrators in my school see your fingerprints on every student. Let each challenge be seen as an opportunity for good; let each character trait be seen as a reflection of your glory.

As I think of all my students by name, I thank you for creating them and for what you will do through them in the future.

In your name, amen.

3

Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

Everlasting Father, your works are wonderful, and your glory is limitless.

In everything I do — at home, at school, in the community — bless my work. Only you can see inside my heart and know that I want to do a good job and be a witness for you. Give me the ability to teach and to love and to take advantage of each opportunity you send me. Remind me that others are counting on me to work hard and do well.

Help the principals, teachers, counselors, and other staff see the importance of their jobs as they go into schools every day. Give them a daily dose of joy and excitement for their tasks.

Thank you for entrusting me with the pleasure and responsibility of guiding minds and hearts.

In your Son's precious name, amen.

4

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I hope in Him!"

Lamentations 3:22-34

You are the great I am — eternal and unchanging — yet your mercy is always fresh and new. Magnificent is your holy name!

Whether it's the dawning of a new school year, a new semester, or a new day, give me excitement about the opportunity in each new situation. Remind me that being a teacher means I have the chance every day to change a life. Push me to take that chance.

Prompt my students to take advantage of new opportunities as they grow into adults. Help them discern good decision making and find delight in each day.

Thank you for new mercies. Thank you for school years filled with joy and the chance to do something great.

In your name, amen.

5

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Isaiah 30:21 NIV

Mighty God, you are omniscient. You know all, see all, and understand all things. You created everything in your time and for your purpose.

Sometimes I feel as though I have no idea what I'm doing. There are days I worry that I'm failing my students, that maybe I've even chosen the wrong career. Would you remind me I'm not alone? Let me hear your voice and your words of soothing reassurance.

When my teacher friends are confused and feel lost, please whisper hints of your love, reassuring them that, no matter what, you are always present and you are in control.

Thank you for being the Lord of my life. Thank you for guiding me each moment and for demonstrating your eternal love.

In Christ's name, amen.

6

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

Holy Father, your love is endless. You know everything about me — the pleasures and burdens of my heart — and you sing songs of joy over me.

Some days are perfect. My students respond well to my lessons, and I am reminded why I chose to be a teacher. Prompt me to thank you and to share my joy with those around me.

Bless my colleagues with good days. Remind them of the pleasure of teaching, and give them reasons to have happiness in their hearts. Let them delight in every child in their charge.

Thank you for the good days. Thank you for making joy contagious.

In your glorious name, amen.

7

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

Job 8:21 NIV

Lord, you reign over all things and delight in your creation. You have given me a gift in each student I work with. Their joy is infectious and their laughter contagious. Their humor is often just what I need to get through a tough day, and I praise you for that.

Help my coworkers find enjoyment in what they do. Let the laughter of children resonate in their hearts.

Thank you for laughter and its healing properties. Thank you for the memories made with my students every day.

In the name of Jesus, amen.

8

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:24 NIV

Precious Lord, you are faithful and true, and you never change.

It feels as if the world of education changes all the time — new ideas, new laws, new requirements. In a shifting world remind me that my hope is in you. I don't want to misplace my faith by putting it in man-made standards. I want my faith firmly grounded in your standards, your promises, and your truth.

When my colleagues are caught up in the swirl of change, remind them to be strong and faithful. When the students are overtested and underachieving, help us show them their true worth as children of God.

Thank you for never changing and for always keeping your promises. I know you have the world in your hands.

In Jesus' name, amen.

9

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 18:1-3

Father God, you have created so many gifts in this world. Praise your precious name!

Daily give me wisdom to know how to love the young children in my class, even in the tough moments. Give me patience to deal with unexpected classroom situations. Fill my heart with sweet memories of every child.

Bless each student in my class, especially those from troubled homes. Let them feel my love and attention, and please protect their innocence. Show me how to be their steady, dependable guide.

Thank you for the sweetness and goodness of children. Thank you for calling me to the task of teaching these little ones and for honoring me with this precious responsibility.

In Jesus' name, amen.

CHAPTER 2

Prayers for Clarity and Creativity

10

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:5

God, you are Jehovah-jireh, the giver of everything. You take care of me even before I can ask for help.

You gave me the talent to teach. When I am feeling uninspired and need new ideas, reignite the passion in me. Give me wisdom, and help me use my imagination to create new ways to reach my students. Let me be an effective teacher by using my gifts from you.

Help my coteachers tap into their talents and use them well. Let your glory shine in their skills so we can celebrate the achievement of our students through your mighty work.

Thank you for the talents you've so generously poured on my colleagues and me. Thank you for abilities that make us diverse and beautiful in your eyes.

In Jesus' name, amen.

11

Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful.

2 Peter 1:5-8

Mighty God, you are good. You give strength, knowledge, wisdom, and mercy in abundance, and my cup runs over.

I want to be an effective teacher. I want to pass on not only knowledge but also your love to my students, letting them see you even if I can't always use your name. Let me be productive in my work. Help my students excel in their curriculum and also learn character in my classroom.

Bless our school. Unify our faculty; give us common goals. Help us get along and love one another so we can work together well to serve our students.

Thank you for loving and giving. Thank you for pouring yourself into my life. Your mercy is my strength.

In your name, amen.

12

The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.

Proverbs 15:33

My God in heaven, I praise you, for you alone are worthy of praise.

Sometimes I get too caught up in the details of my life. Help me remember that I have no idea what goes on in the homes of my students. Give me ears to listen and eyes to see. Let me learn from them, and remind me that their life experiences, although different from mine, are valuable.

Protect my students, Lord. When they leave me, go with them. Open their hearts to what I'm trying to teach them so we can learn from each other. Help them learn more than facts, help them learn values and the beginnings of wisdom.

Thank you for all the students in my class and their families.

In Christ's name, amen.

13

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: ... a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 NIV

God, you are the ultimate timekeeper. You have mapped the perfect plan for our lives and know the number of our days.

Help me discern good timing — to know the time for firm discipline in my classroom and the time for laughter, to recognize when students need a listening ear and open arms and when they need advice and counsel.

Help my students know the importance of an education. Give them goals that will motivate them, and give them the means to achieve those goals.

Thank you for your plans, for they are greater than ours.

In your eternal name, amen.

14

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

Proverbs 9:9 NIV

Father in heaven, you are the source of all knowledge, the provider of all things great and small.

Please give me a mentor — someone who can provide ideas and techniques that will make me a better teacher. Remind me that I became a teacher because I love to learn. Give me a heart willing to listen and the ability to mentor someone else in the future.

As teachers near retirement, bless their work. Instill in them the desire to mentor newer teachers and to pass on their strategies and plans, helping newer teachers impact lives for coming generations.

Thank you for the wisdom of talented teachers. Thank you for making me a lifelong student.

In Christ's name, amen.

15

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

Proverbs 16:20 NIV

Jesus, your teaching instructs my heart and soul. There is no one greater than you.

Make me eager to listen to and learn from others. Sometimes professional development seems unnecessary, but give me a willing heart to learn and to apply new ideas to my classroom so I can grow as a teacher.

Give the administrators the ability to see when teachers need more encouragement and help in order to make our schools and students stronger.

Thank you for being the example of the ultimate teacher. Thank you for mercy and grace and for showing us the value of living each day by walking in the ways you've laid out for us.

In your holy name, amen.

16

God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

God, through your gifts you pour your unending love over us. You bless us so we can bless others.

Please give me clarity of mind and an extra dose of creativity when I'm working on lesson plans. Help me develop the skills to differentiate learning styles and to engage my students through varied activities.

Give my students the ability to comprehend the lessons, to grow, and to enjoy their school days. Even when the classes aren't fun, help them appreciate the challenge of mastering new skills.

Thank you for blessing me. Thank you for your goodness and your mercy. And thank you for each day and each lesson that allows me to call myself a teacher.

In your name, amen.

17

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.

Deuteronomy 32:2 NIV

Father, your words are the foundation of my heart's belief. You are the rock on which I depend.

Help me engage my students each day by capturing their attention, piquing their curiosity, fueling their desire to learn, and encouraging them to participate in class. Let my words water their thirsty minds and my love grow relationships with them and among them.

Give my coworkers a passion for engagement and the drive to use the personalities you created in them to reach each student. Help them use words of encouragement to foster student growth.

Thank you that the Holy Spirit engages me through your Word and that your promises cover me like soft rain.

In Jesus' name, amen.

CHAPTER 3

Prayers for Love and Patience

18

He will give the rain for your seed with which you sow the ground, and bread of the increase of the earth; it will be fat and plentiful.

Isaiah 30:23

Loving Father, your harvest is bountiful. You give me the delight of seeing my students grow and change daily. Only you deserve glory and honor and praise.

Rain down your mercy upon me, so my legacy will be quality teaching sprinkled with kindness, compassion, and a sense of humor. Let my classroom be remembered as a joyous, safe place.

Please help my students feel your loving presence in all areas of their lives. When they feel out of place or alone, remind them that you are ever present. Grow them into loving adults who bless others in your name.

Thank you for loving us enough to nurture us through your Word.

In your name, amen.

19

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Heavenly Father, you are the source of joy, peace, and love, which is shown through your Son's sacrifice on the cross.

On the days when my patience is thin, when my students are acting up and I fear I'll express my frustration, remind me of your mercy toward me. Take away the frazzled feelings of stress, and replace them with heaping portions of self-control seasoned with patience and flavored with kindness.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Pocket Payers for Teachers by Max Lucado, Jennifer K. Hale. Copyright © 2016 Max Lucado. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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