Four years ago, I stood on this same hill, looking down at this same school. Many emotions were racing through my mind. We had moved to California just two short months earlier, and my high school senior and freshman would be brand new students at this school. One was excited—it would be the first time she attended public school, and she was ready to experience this new adventure and make new friends. One was not so excited, having been uprooted from the Midwest, his friends, his church, and the visions he’d had for his senior year.
Four years ago, I gazed down at these buildings and prayed for the students, teachers, and staff who would be spending their days there. I prayed for safety. I prayed for friendship. I prayed for minds that learned and hearts that stayed firmly fixed on faith. As I looked down at this school, I felt excitement, fear, nervousness, and trust. I remember saying to my freshman, “How about I stand on this hill every day at lunchtime, and you come out and wave at me?”
For some reason, she declined. 🤣
Today, I stand on this same hill and gaze down fondly at these buildings. This is the place where my reluctant senior found friends through a shared love of music. They welcomed him and made him one of the family. The senior and the freshman of four years ago have graduated with honors from this school. They experienced many friendships, adventures, and, yes, challenges and heartaches on this campus. Last year, our youngest attended her freshman year and was delighted to play high school sports and make wonderful new friendships.
However, our youngest won’t be experiencing her sophomore year within these walls. Like so many schools across our country, the doors are shuttered, and school will be taking place online. Amidst the uncertainty of education during the continuing pandemic, our family is returning to the stability of homeschooling.
Yet, I continue to pause on top of this hill on morning walks and pray over this school district. I pray for the harried teachers who must once again try to balance family life, teaching, and uncertainty while dealing with the pressures from parents who desire a rigorous education for their children. I pray for the day when the hybrid schedule may go into effect, and these same teachers bear the responsibility for teaching students who are sometimes in class while also teaching students who are only online.
I pray for the students who are missing out on the nuances of education that occur with live instruction. I pray for those who are suffering while missing out on the extracurricular experiences that bring them joy, friendship, additional skills, and an outlet for their energy and creativity.
I pray for the parents who are also balancing work, childcare, and the extra help distance learning requires them to give their children.
I pray for all the schools across our country. Those who are going back to classes in person. Those who are online only. Those who are experimenting with a hybrid program. I pray for unity. I pray for hearts that are focused on others instead of themselves. I pray for the strength, peace, and comfort than only God can provide.
Would you like to find resources to aid in praying for your local school? Check out Moms in Prayer International to find a prayer group in your community. There are groups for both moms and grandmas to join their voices in prayer for the schools in their communities. Furthermore, September 20th is Bless Our Schools Sunday. On this day, churches around the world will unite to pray for their students, teachers, and school staff members. Check out the Moms in Prayer website to find out how to get your church involved.
Dear Lord, I ask your protection over the teachers, students, and staff heading back to school. For many, this is a stressful and confusing time. May we cover our schools in prayer. Grant your protection, strength, and peace in this time of fear and distress. May we turn our hearts to you. Amen.