So…How Did it Go?

Last week I issued a Seven Day Prayer Challenge for Our Schools. I want to thank those that prayed along with me each day.* Below I have shared my prayers for each day. 🙏

Monday – My Prayer for School Staff

Father God,

I come to you on behalf of the teachers, administrators, cooks, coaches & bus drivers of D47, D155, LETU, UWW, MCC & HSMC. We are heading into a Fall semester that is like no other we have ever experienced.

May the plans that have been put in place make doing our jobs safer & more efficient than things were at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

May we be patient with each other as we work out the kinks. I pray that our engagement with the students & their families illustrates how much we truly care about not only the education but the health & safety of each of them. And lastly, may we find peace & joy in our jobs each & every day.

In Your Precious & Holy Name,

AMEN

Tuesday – My Prayer for the Parents

Heavenly Father,

I know that many parents are having a hard time balancing e-learning & family responsibilities, not to mention holding down a job.

My prayer is that you give each of them the peace, patience & joy they need minute-by-minute. I pray for understanding employers, children who willingly do their chores & familes making memories that will last a lifetime.

In Your Precious & Holy Name,

AMEN

Wednesday – My Prayer for the Students

Abba Father,

I know you have a special place in your heart for children. In this semester of e-learning, being separated from their friends, and no fall sports or activities; my heart grieves for them.

How will they make new friends? I fear that the quieter ones won’t speak up when they need help & may fall behind their peers. On the flip side, those that thrive on social interaction may become difficult to control in a virtual environment or perhaps begin to exhibit signs of depression.

I ask for Your tender touch on these precious lives. May they stay focused during “school”, find creative outlets for their frustrations, and learn the value of family. I beseech You to protect those who don’t have in an ideal family situation. Above all, may they feel loved!

In Your Precious & Holy Name,

AMEN

Thursday – My Prayer for Health & Safety

Great Physician,

I have been thinking a lot about how COVID-19 is going to impact flu season. Will we see less colds & flu because we are required to wear masks in public?

I have made no secret of my frustration with the mixed messages that we recieve from the media, medical community & scientists.

Will we ever know the full truth of how & where this Coronavirus strain got started. Will we ever be able to go out without a mask? Will we ever be able to go to the movies, live theater, a concert or sporting event again?

I apologize for going down the rabbit hole for a minute.

What I was really trying to say through all my whining was that I pray for no new cases of COVID-19 in McHenry County, Whitewater, or Longview. As some schools are hoping to transition to in-person learning in a few weeks, I pray that all students & adults remain healthy & free of infection for the remainder of the school year.

Heal our hearts. Heal our nation. Heal our world.

AMEN

Friday – My Prayer for Hope

Dear God,

Today I offer a song that I think speaks of the hope we have as Christians. I ask that you give each believer the hope we need to get through this school year and for this hope to be so contagious that eveyone araound us catches it.

We Believe – Newsboys

In this time of desperation
When all we know is doubt and fear
There is only one foundation
We believe, we believe
In this broken generation
When all is dark, You help us see
There is only one salvation
We believe, we believe

We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He’s comin’ back again, we believe

So, let our faith be more than anthems
Greater than the songs we sing
And in our weakness and temptations
We believe, we believe

Let the lost be found and the dead be raised
In the here and now, let love invade
Let the church live love our God will see
We believe, we believe
And the gates of hell will not prevail
For the power of God, has torn the vail
Now we know Your love will never fail
We believe, we believe

Source: LyricFindSongwriters: Jeremy Lynn Epperson / Matt Hooper / Richie FikeWe Believe lyrics © Songtrust Ave, ST Music LLC

News Boys – We Believe (2014) Offical Music Video

My Hope is in You,

AMEN

Saturday – My Prayer for Protection

My Protector.

In this crazy pamdemic, coronavirus, COVID-19 world, many are living in fear. Your word trells us over & over again to “fear not”. As we head back to “school” on Monday, albiet in a newfangled way, we are in need of your protection.

Protection on the roads as the teachers and other staff drive to school to teach via e-learning.
Protection for the transportation department that will be utilized to deliver food & daily/weekly supplies
Protection from illness for all students, families & staff
Protection from attacks from the evil one

Thank you Lord for going before us into this first week of school.

AMEN

Sunday – My Prayer for Peace

Prince of Peace,

I come to You this morning feeling a little unsettled as I look toward tomorrow. If I feel it, I am sure that my coworkers and the familes that we serve feel it too. May I wake tomorrow with your Peace & Joy that comes from knowing that you are sitting right there on the bus with me.

I also pray for peace in our land. The rioting & looting has got to stop. Everyday it seems to be creeping closer & closer to my front door.

In You Blessed & Holy Name,

AMEN

*Thank- you Beverly , Purple Rose, Perth Girl, Herry Chic Counsels, Cynthia and any others who prayed along with me. I would love to hear about what significance these prayers made in your life.

I will leave you with The Lord’s Prayer:

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 KJV