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Mighty Redeemer, you are the master of all things and the king of all creation. Lord, help me remember that I am your se
5 DAYS OF SIMPLE PRAYER

A P O C K E T for

T E AC H E R S

S A M P L E R ne w york times bestselling author

M A X L UCADO with

JENNIFER K. HALE

DAY 1 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV

Heavenly Father, you are our triumph and song. Your glory outshines the sun! Grant me a pure heart and pure speech as I teach teenagers. Help me to be an example for them and to encourage them to believe they are your wonderful creations. Let me enjoy every moment of hilarity and fun that comes with teaching teens. Point the way to their future. Help them grow into young adults who seek to do right, help others, and make a difference in their world. Help them to discover the gifts you have planted in them. Thank you for the teen years, for the joy those years can bring and for allowing me to be a part of so many teens’ lives. In Christ’s name, amen.

DAY 2 Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. Proverbs 22:29 NIV

Mighty Redeemer, you are the master of all things and the king of all creation. Lord, help me remember that I am your servant. Grow my skills in teaching so I may better serve you and the students in my care through the gifts you’ve given me. Be the light that guides my path, and remind me always that my job is to glorify you daily. Give my colleagues a true desire to work hard, not for themselves, but for their students. Let their talents and expertise inspire young people to master standards and also to have high moral character. Thank you for being the skilled architect of my life. Thank you for guiding me and for helping me guide others.

DAY 3 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me . . . I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. Psalm 27:5–6 NKJV

God, you are the mighty protector. You hold me in the palm of your hand. Sometimes I feel surrounded by enemies. In times of loneliness I wonder if my friends are true. In those moments remind me that you are my strength and song and that I can tune out any ugliness in my mind and replace it with your truth. God, touch the hearts of my coworkers and friends. Take away their desire for unhealthy competition, and replace it with a passion for loving others. Help them desire to see others succeed. Give them joy in lifting up each other so that together we can celebrate student successes. Thank you for true friends. Thank you for being my rock and my safety. And thank you for being worthy of songs of joy. In your name, amen.

DAY 4 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:5–6 NKJV

God, your grace is a gift, seasoned with perfection and holiness. Each day let my students see your qualities in me. Let them see honesty and kindness, love and faithfulness. Let them trust me, believe me, and hold me accountable for my actions and words. I have only a short time to impact these students. Remind me to make the most of it. God, remind my coworkers that life is short. Help them enjoy each day, and let that joy be reflected in their actions and words to each other and to our students. I pray that our school environment will be one of comfort and honesty and that students will feel safe and loved. Thank you for your grace and unending love. In your name, amen.

DAY 5 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:3–5 NKJV

You are God my Redeemer, and your mighty name is worthy of all worship! When I’m having a bad day, remind me of a time a student said something hilarious, or little arms gave me a hug, or my students showed their appreciation through smiles and laughter. Use those moments to fill me with joy and push me onward, confirming the reason I’m teaching. Each day give my coworkers a joyful moment that will become a treasured memory. Let them love what they do so much that they will celebrate every day and every milestone in education. Thank you for memories. Thank you for filling our hearts and minds with moments so special that they bring joy with just a brief remembrance. In your hallowed name, amen.