Grace, peace and mercy from God our parent and our Lord Jesus Christ. As we continue to face the rapid and radical challenges created by the effects of COVID-19 we are mindful today of the overwhelming shift it has caused in all our lives without exception. Around the world we are experiencing many questions and uncertainties of when this will end. With new efforts to get ahead of the pandemic, more drastic measures are required of us all. As the “stay in place” directive creates more time of isolation, parents must adjust to home schooling, while many also work from home. Educators around the world strive to meet the challenges ever shifting alternative methods of instructing due to the continuation of the unprecedented circumstances. Today we are mindful of those who we entrust with our children and youth and most vulnerable. As they prepare and present alternative forms of instructions in new and innovative ways, we offer this scripture and prayer to all K-12 TEACHERS…
Isaiah 50:4-5 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens—wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward.
Let us pray:
All wise and knowing God, our great teacher, we thank you for those who accept the vocational call to teach our young. We praise you for their selflessness, their compassion and ability to collaborate with parents. And Lord we acknowledge, you equip teachers with the skill and tools necessary to shape the young minds. To encourage the giftedness of their young beautiful minds. That you bless them to teach the young in the way they should go and trust that that they can do and be whatever they imagine for themselves. You O God created them for this important and necessary work.
And so, we pray loving God that you in your sovereignty provide all K-12 teachers with the confidence of job security during this time of vulnerability. Their work is not hindered in any way. That you protect them from any exposure to the Covid-19 virus. That their financial needs are met. Give them the ability to use technology to be the “tongue of their teaching. That they know with all certainty how to sustain the parents who now partner with them in teaching students. Every morning wakens the ear of creativity to help those experience learning as they are taught in new ways. We pray that no one who during this season assumes the position of K-12 teacher is overcome with feelings of stress or anxiety. May they all without exception be filled with your peace that surpasses all understanding. Bless them to face any doubt and not turn backward at this challenge as only you can Great Teacher, we pray. Amen
Rev. Babette Chatman
March 30, 2020