Prayer: A Great Place to Start

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It feels like fall today. In Cedarville and much of the surrounding area, it is raining and there is a dull grey blue glow in the sky. Some may think it’s a perfect day for a hot bowl of soup or a hot beverage infused with pumpkin spice. For others it may provide a more somber or bleak outlook because of difficult circumstances in which they find themselves. For teachers this may represent the start of the year with the disruptive effects of COVID-19.

COVID-19 disrupted the start of the school year making normal teacher/student relationships more of a challenge—especially for new students and faculty. Even though many were somewhat prepared for the flexible format of learning, the challenge seemed different than March 2020. Students and faculty alike feel disconnected. So, what can we do in the face of these realities?

Prayer is a great place to start—praying for students through writing to them as a group or individually depending on the size of your class. You can use the Canvas inbox to send a prayer. Before you reject the idea, just remember that Christ prayed for us and had John record it in John 17. Paul also wrote a prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. I know many if not all of you pray for your students on a regular basis. Don’t be afraid to let them know. We know Christ listens and answers our prayers, why not write prayers for students or others we wish to connect with and serve?

For example, “Dear {Student’s Name}, I am praying for you this semester that God would strengthen you by the power of His Holy Spirit to a deeper faith in Christ rooted in His love so you can know the unmeasurable, mind-blowing fullness of God for yourself and for the Church.” (Eph 3:14-21).

So, following my own admonition, dear reader, I pray that each of you will see the joy in the struggles you are facing today (James 1:2-4) and know that God is making you into the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29). May you taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). Father, if my brothers and sisters are disheartened by the cares of this world may they turn their eyes to Jesus who has overcome the world and by whom they too have and will overcome (1 John 5:4; John 16:33). Jesus, may each one know You are for them and no one can be against them to separate them from Your love or care (Rom 8:31-39). Holy Spirit, bless and empower each one as they seek to follow you in the ministry you have given them (John 21:22). Amen.

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