Psalm 23 for Teachers Beginning a New School Year

As a new school year begins, I have written the following prayer specifically for teachers but also for all learners and staff members. The prayer is a paraphrase and amplification of Psalm 23.

We ask you, O Good Shepherd, to empower our teachers so that they may shepherd their learners in Christ-like ways.

May they have everything necessary to meet their own needs, as well as those of students, parents, and colleagues.

May they, during the intensity of a new school year, find times for “green-pasturing” and “still-watering” to renew both body and soul, so that they may be refreshed and go forward in the right direction.

May they teach with confidence
and courage, knowing that you are with them, even through the dark valleys of physical danger, threats from without or within, discipline concerns, curricular challenges, and physical exhaustion.

May they have the wisdom and humility to recognize the ways in which you are guiding and even correcting them as if by a shepherd's rod and staff.

May they receive inner strength, support, and healing through the anointing power of the Holy Spirit

May it be evident that they, because of your shepherding guidance and grace, are overflowing with the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

And, finally, may they have the sure confidence that You are with them, day in and day out, ensuring that the impact of their teaching is making a difference in the lives of their students forever. Amen.

The accompanying image is from a YouTube video entitled, Prayer for Teachers at the Beginning of a New School Year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-788MU30Eg