One of the obvious things I do as a pastor is pray. I often feel that my prayers are insufficient or incomplete, but I feel called to continue to do it. I lift up, every day, the needs of my congregation and the concerns they lay before me. It is an honor and a privilege.
This week I’ve been praying for the parents in my congregation who have children in school. Though we always pray for our children, these parents have been especially troubled this week as threats have been made against their children’s safety. What are these threats? Are they a hoax? In this context what does a “hoax” even mean? Any threat against our children is to be taken seriously. Very seriously. And so, I do what I always do, I pray.
I wanted to put a prayer on this blog for parents to share with one another tonight and tomorrow, an encouragement to stand together and come to God with our hopes and fears and solidarity. Fear is powerful, and when we are afraid we can always come to God in prayer. Let us all come together and light candles together, and pray.
A Prayer for Parents and Teachers in a Time of Fear
Gracious and Loving God,
We come before you with anxious and worried hearts, asking for you to hear our prayers on behalf of the children you created. When our children are threatened, our hearts are heavy and emotions run deep. We are anxious, sad, scared, tired, overwhelmed.
Draw near to parents, we pray, whether they decide to keep their children home or send them to school, help them to have peace of mind that the decisions they make are best for their family. May we support and love one another, knowing that Your Spirit leads each of us in different ways.
Draw near to teachers, we pray, give them strength and courage as they do their already difficult jobs on an even more difficult day. May they feel our support, our compassion and our love.
Draw near to our children, we pray, and give them a palpable sense of security not just today and tomorrow, but each and every day. May they know that they are loved, protected, and safe. May they know that the adults in their lives will stop at nothing to ensure their safety and security.
We trust in you, O God, and ask you to draw near to us when we feel worried and afraid. Give us strength and courage, and a knowledge of your presence. In Christ’s Name we pray, Amen.