Schools

FIVE ISSUES SERIES:
3. Schools
Some would say our public schools are a MESS. Some think private schools are the answer. Some think we need charter schools and that will fix the problem. But guess what? Just like what we talked about with crime and consumer religion....
It is not a systemic problem.
It is a heart problem.

Kids come to school who are bruised and broken. Parents who are bruised and broken raise bruised and broken kids. Teachers can be bruised and broken. Administration is made up of people. PEOPLE ARE BROKEN. We all are.

I could easily write all the stats and tell you what is wrong with our public schools, our private schools and even debate you on charter schools but that would not change anything. What WILL change things no matter where you send your children, is HEART change.

How can that happen? By FOLLOWERS of CHRIST telling and showing God's love to those within the schools here in the Greater Montgomery area.

 There are two specific things we as followers of Christ can do:
1. TELL the Good News to those teachers, children and administration who do not know Christ. Only through telling the Good News can one give the opportunity to make a decision to follow Christ. Are you willing to TELL others about Him, about your experience with Christ? About how HE can help guide administrators and teachers and parents to make good decisions so that the kids will follow?
2. Are you willing to pray for our schools this next year? What can you pray for? Here is a great list created by the Navigators. It is a good guide to follow. Copy and paste it onto a sheet and print it out to remind you to pray for our schools. Wonder what would happen if all of us took seriously the mandate to pray for others every day?

Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others".

Ten Prayers for Public(really ALL schools)Schools
Love. "Father, may the students and staff of this school experience Your love through the Christians they know in profound and authentic ways" (John 13:35).
Truth. "Lord, release truth in this school. Help students to rightly discern truth and not believe false teachings" (Proverbs 23:23).
School board. "I pray blessings on each school board member (try to pray for them by name). Father, may your will be done at board meetings" (Romans 13:1).
Principal/Teachers. "May they recognize the God-given responsibility he/she has for the best interests of the children who attend the school. May (name of principal) walk in wisdom, integrity, grace, and truth" (Proverbs 2:1-11).
Failing students. "Lord, I ask you to encourage those children who are struggling with their studies. Strengthen their minds. Help their teachers and parents know how to help them learn. Protect them from feelings of worthlessness and shame" (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Violence. "Lord, stay the hand of violence against the children and staff of this school. Dismantle any plan to bring harm to them. Expose any weapon brought into the school premises and render it harmless" (Psalm 34:7; 54:1).
Christian programs. "Father, I pray for abundant blessings on programs that bring Christ into this public school. Help the groups who sponsor such programs function according to your Word and in harmony with each other. Bless the leaders and bring forth new and growing believers" (1 Corinthians 12:12,13).
Christian students/teachers. "Grant the Christian students who attend this school wisdom and boldness in living out their faith. Help them share effectively the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with their classmates" (1 Timothy 4:12).
A chosen generation. "Father, may your kingdom come. From the students at this school, raise up a generation of people who worship you in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23,24; 1 Peter 2:9).
An open door. "Lord, may there be an open door in this school for the gospel to be shared with students and staff. Allow full advantage to be taken of every opportunity to name the name of Jesus" (Matthew 7:7; 1 Corinthians 16:9).

From the NavPress prayer card, Power-Packed Prayers for Public Schools, excerpted from Pray!, issue #20, © 2002 Ida Rose Heckard. Visit NavPress.com to review all their topical prayer cards.