We are in the final stretch! There is nothing like the feeling of a school year complete and the anticipation of time to breathe again. However, it can be an emotional time for educators. It’s not easy saying goodbye to students and colleagues we have come to cherish throughout the year. In addition, sometimes the end brings regrets for choices that were made during the year. No matter what the issues are, I find grounding myself in prayer brings peace over anxiety. It really does. We just have to pray.
We should never assume our concerns are too insignificant to God. He cares about every aspect of our lives. When you think about it, everything is little when it is compared to God! The Bible says God keeps track of the number of hairs on our head (Luke 12:7), which most of us would consider a minor detail! Never forget you were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and your Creator wants nothing more than to spend time with you. We just have to pray!
I don’t think we can ever underestimate the power of prayer. Jesus certainly didn’t. Prayer was a priority in His life. If it was important to Him, it should be a priority for us ((Matthew 14:13; Mark 1:35; Mark 6:45-46; Mark 14:32-34; Luke 4:42; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:18).
This past week I posted a free resource that included five morning and evening prayers for the last days of school. I truly desire for every Christian educator to finish this school year strong and victorious, free of anxiety or regret. I want your heart to be full of peace, joy, and contentment, knowing God has the power not only to sustain you but also to impact the lives of those around you. I’m not sure how many downloaded the resource, so I am including the link here. It is easy to download these prayers on your phone. In addition, I am including them below in case you find it easier to print this off or refer to the blog.
If you prefer, write your own prayers, but don’t leave God out of your hectic closing of the school year. Better yet, use these prayers as starters to praying with fellow believers at your school. Remember, God is still working and can make this end-of-the-year your best ever! We just have to pray!
Click on the link below to download free booklet. https://www.victoriouseducator.com/_files/ugd/b12bf8_e3679cbf2f9e4bc9b9fa3527623dfb6a.pdf
Five Morning and Evening Prayers
to Get You Through the Last Days of School
Day 1
A prayer to be read before you start your day.
Heavenly Father, thank you for another week to serve You. You know I am tired and my emotions are all over the place. Help me, Lord, to remember that by your divine power you have given me everything I need to make it through today. Help me to see every circumstance, positive or negative, as an opportunity to demonstrate your love to others. Equip me through the power of your Holy Spirit to teach with passion, discipline with grace, and encourage with sincerity. Today is yours, Lord. I’m depending on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer to be read as you end your day.
Lord, as I finish this day, thank You for Your never-ending presence. It is only by Your grace I made it through! As I reflect on the day, I know I wasn’t perfect. Forgive me, Lord, if I tried to operate in my own strength. I know apart from You I can do nothing. Lord, I surrender my worries, exhaustion, and shortcomings into Your hands. Thank you for loving me just as I am and using me to make a difference in the lives of others. I will rest tonight knowing your power is made perfect in my weakness. In Jesus name, Amen.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. I Corinthians 15:58 (CSB)
Day 2
A prayer to be read before you start your day.
Father God, thank You for another day! Today, Lord, I want to specifically pray for my students. Help them to stay focused, motivated, and free from anxiety as summer approaches. I know some of them face uncertainty when they leave school. Protect them, Lord, and keep them safe from danger. Help me to see their needs and show me opportunities where I can help. Give me wisdom to handle whatever comes up today and perseverance to do my best. Empty me of myself and fill me with Your spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer to be read as you end your day.
God, you are so good. I am so grateful for the opportunity to influence the students You have placed in my care. Help me to be mindful of my words and actions. I desire to point them to You. As each child goes to bed tonight, may they know they are loved. For those that do not know You, Lord, draw them to Yourself. Open doors for me or others to come alongside them and show them the love of Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (CSB)
Day 3
A prayer to be read before you start your day.
Jesus, today I want to shift my focus to those around me. There are so many colleagues and leaders in my workplace who are weary and depleted. Help me to be an encourager, speaking hope and life into their lives. Open my eyes to Your activity, and direct me to anyone who needs prayer or a simple expression of kindness. I want to see others as You see them and extend the same grace and mercy You have freely given me. Thank You for the opportunity to share Your love with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A prayer to be read as you end your day.
Heavenly Father, as I come to the close of another day, I am thankful for Your provision. I trust everything to you knowing my life is in Your hands. Please be with the colleagues and leaders in my workplace. Give each one of them the energy to finish strong and the discernment to make wise decisions. Protect them from negativity and draw them to You, Lord. Help me to be spiritually available and aware amidst the end-of-year chaos. I want those around me to see Jesus in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (CSB)
Day 4
A prayer to be read before you start your day.
Father God, as I begin this day, I am mindful of the upcoming transition for the parents of my students. Summertime is fun for some and stressful for others. Lord, I pray You will give parents the desire to engage with their children, the wisdom to guide their children and the heart to love their children. Give them endurance and a support system to create stable and safe homes. Place people in their lives (including me) who will share the love of Jesus with them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer to be read as you end your day.
Lord, tonight I come to You on behalf of the parents and caregivers of those students I serve. I know some have great challenges, but I know You love them. I also know family is important to You. For believers, help them to model a vibrant life of faith. For those who do not know You, open doors of opportunity for them to experience the love of Jesus firsthand. Draw their hearts to You, Lord. If there is anything you want me to do, please show me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3 (ESV)
Day 5
A prayer to be read before you start your day.
Heavenly Father, I think I have made it! Thank You for the strength You have given me to persevere through these final days. Although my work is coming to an end for now, the work of my school district leadership is continuing. Be with our leaders and elected officials. Give them a spirit of unity and wisdom to make wise decisions in the best interest of children. May Your Spirit be at work in their lives. Remind me, Lord, to pray for them throughout the summer. I know the work is not easy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer to be read as you end your day.
Jesus, tonight I am exhausted, and yet I have a sense of excitement in my heart. I know if I am still here You have a purpose and plan for me. Help me, Lord, to seek You this summer, to grow in my faith, and to carve out additional time to be with You. Give me rest, refresh my soul, and give me peace. I want my life to bear fruit for the kingdom whether I am in the classroom or on vacation. Thank You for giving me your life so I can be everything you have called me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NLT)