Praying for vulnerable children

Today, as part of our sharing, caring and praying with Pray for Schools, we pray for vulnerable children…

“Do the right thing for the weak and those without a father.

Stand up for the rights of those suffering and in need.”

Psalm 82:3 (New Life Version)

Let us pray…

Father, please come near to young people living in the shadows of unhappiness, abuse, pain or fear. Bring new hope to any who are desperate and draw them into the circle of Your love.

Amen

(photo courtesy of Michał Parzuchowski at Unsplash)

Today is Education Sunday

Today is Education Sunday and the theme is "A learning people in a time of change".

This year Education Sunday takes place at a time when many children, young people and staff have been away from schools, colleges and universities and have been working in different ways. Churches, too, have had to learn and adapt, whilst still maintaining a pattern of worship. This is a time to think about what we have learnt about ourselves, about our communities and about God.

There is so much for us to reflect on from our lives and experiences over recent months, so join us as we mark this special day of prayer and care for our schools, colleges and universities…

There are some brilliant materials for you to share, pray through and enjoy including a wonderful introduction for the year’s theme by Barbara Easton, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference 2021/2022 and Head of Service, Methodist Academies and Schools Trust.

A learning people in a time of change… inspired by these readings from Holy Scripture: Exodus 14.19-31; Psalm 114; Romans 14.1-12; Matthew 18.21-35

(image below is the logo from this year; cover photo courtesy of Chris Lawton at Unsplash)

Praying for children with additional needs...

“Each talented, each different, each valued…”

That was the motto at the Quaker school I attended as a child. This is a great motto to live by and one that the school I attended more than lived up to. I was quite good at languages and singing; others were good at netball and maths… we were all different with different gifts… each were seen as talented and valued

In my working life these days I am part of the excellent Pray for Schools steering group who encourage us to pray for our schools!

Today I am sharing the Bible verse and prayer, praying for children with additional needs…

‘Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart.’

Matthew 11:30 (NLT)

Let us pray…

Lord Jesus, please help children in school who are facing many kinds of challenges and equip and encourage their teachers and carers.

Amen

(photo courtesy of Soraya Irving at Unsplash)

(Sara Iles, FCG Media Support Officer)

Praying for plans and policies in education

Since 2016, I have privileged to work as part of the Pray for Schools network and support the work they do with schools and churches across the UK.

The Pray for Schools team, partners and friends have a real heart for prayer and for showing God’s love through prayer and caring for our schools…. so join with us as we Pray for Schools, at the start of the new year…

They have developed a wonderful prayer resource to help us all to be guided through the support of verses from the Holy Scriptures, to pray for the needs of our schools.

Over the next few days, I will be sharing one of these prayers, so we can pray them together.

Today we pray for education plans and policies inspired by verses from the New Testament.

‘Pray especially for ... governments to rule well so

we can be quietly about our business of living simply.’

1 Timothy 2:2,3 (Message)

Let us pray…

Lord, please grant wise discernment to those nationally and locally who make far-reaching decisions, and provide funding, guidance and support to schools across the UK.

Amen

Praying for administrative and support staff in our schools

A couple of years ago I worked as an exam invigilator. It was an unusual role in many ways as it required me to be on my feet for hours on end, looking vigilant, maintaining a professional air, yet still looking calm and caring!

Being part of the team of administrators and support staff in that school during the exam period was certainly an interesting and thought provoking time. Often when we think of schools, we think solely about the children and teachers, but I know from my work as part of the exams’ team that administrators and support staff, along with the teachers and many other staff, play a vital role in keeping the school functioning well, and supporting the children. (Sara Iles, FCG)

The Pray for Schools team, partners and friends have a real heart for prayer and for showing God’s love through prayer and caring for our schools…. so join with us as we Pray for Schools, at the start of the new year…

They have developed a wonderful prayer resource to help us all to be guided through the support of verses from the Holy Scriptures, to pray for the needs of our schools.

Over the next few days, I will be sharing one of these prayers, so we can pray them together.

‘Do you have the gift of helping others?

Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.’

1 Peter 4:11 (NLT)

Let us pray… God our helper, please bless and unite all those whose expertise and enthusiasm contribute so much to the smooth running of our schools. Amen

FCG is part of the Pray for Schools steering group and values the work we do alongside them all.

Dates for your diary

Education Sunday 13th September

UK wide Day of Prayer for Schools 24th September

Pray Day for Schools 17th November

(photo courtesy of David Pennington at Unsplash)