Wonderful message from our Dear Freind in Christ Kathy Branzell of National Day of Prayer!
Friend —
August has always been an exciting month as we prepared to go back to school. Newness filled the air with great anticipation: new teachers, classmates, school supplies, and maybe even something new to wear on the first day of school. As a teacher for 10 years I was excited to have new students, lesson plans, classroom supplies, volunteers, decorations and more. For 17 years I wrote weekly devotionals for educators to meet and pray each week for their schools and for one another. Yes, schools and education are near and dear to my heart, which is why I am asking you to take time to pray for schools.
Students and teachers have been apart for many months and decisions on whether to meet virtually, in-person, or both, differs from district to district and is changing every day. Our superintendents, school boards, principals and other decision-makers need our prayers! They are seeking all the information they can get to make the best decisions for their students, teachers and staff in regard to education and health. There are so many needs that must be met, and it seems that all decisions come at a great cost. I know that many of these decision-makers are praying and would deeply appreciate your prayers as they prepare and begin this new academic year. Please pray for the teachers, students, and parents to continue to work together. As we continue in our 52 days of prayer in our “Nehemiah Response,” please consider posting at least one prayer for our schools.
Throughout the Bible we hear God tell His people to remember all that He has taught and all the wonders He has done. As we remember these words and works, we are to tell them to others, especially the next generation so that they will know and worship God all of their years. There has certainly been plenty of time at home for parents to pray and read the Bible with their family over the past several months.
If you have not started this special time with your family, we encourage you to begin now and make it a part of your new school year routine. Take time to pray together for their classmates, teachers, coaches and more. This is also a great way for children to open up about their day at school. The greatest thing we can teach our children is how to know and follow Jesus through His Word and prayer. This year may begin with a few fears and tears but let it be FILLED with prayer.
Psalm 78:1-4 My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old— things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. NIV
Please join me in praying for our schools:
Lord Jesus, we come to You now to lift up all of our schools to You; public, private, home and Christian schools across America. Please give them wisdom in their decisions on where to teach as well as what to teach. We ask that You guide and guard the hearts, minds, eyes, and ears of our students as they open their books and hear the lessons in their classroom from pre-K through college. Let them be filled with Truth and light. Give then Christian friends to encourage their walk with You and let them be bold to share Your Word and love with others on their campus as they live out life in You and for You.
P.S. I would like to invite you to be a part of prayer with our friends at Civil Righteousness Inc. who are planning two hours of prayer in cities across America, from 6-8 PM on August 8th on your local Martin Luther King Street, Blvd, Ave. etc. People from all ethnicities will be praying together, with prayers printed on a piece of white tape pressed onto or written on your protective mask. You can get more information at https://prayonmlk.org
Kathy Branzell
President
National Day of Prayer Task Force
Upcoming Events
Promise Keepers Virtual Event
This weekend, July 31-Aug 1, Promise Keepers is hosting a virtual event calling on men everywhere to STAND TOGETHER as the men God intended. The digital global gathering is an event to share with friends and bring men together—even in spaces that are socially apart. The aim is to bless families, strengthen churches, transform communities, and reignite a new generation. To sign up, visit https://promisekeepersevent.com/
Every Campus – Back to Campus
On August 6th, from 9-10 p.m. EST, our friends at Every Campus are hosting a virtual event to inspire and equip college students across the country to pursue Jesus and engage their campus with the Gospel. We will be cross-posting the event to our Facebook page, or you can find it at https://everycampus.com/backtoschool/. Share the information with college students in your life, and join the livestream next week!
Pray on MLK
On August 8th, from 6-8 p.m., our friends at Civil Righteousness Inc. will be hosting prayer events on MLK streets, avenues, boulevards and statues across the country. To find an event near you and get more information, visit https://prayonmlk.org
Nehemiah Response
Please continue to join us in posting a short prayer for America on social media each day. Our hope is to change the atmosphere of hopelessness, rumor, fear, division, and injustice to that of Spirit-filled assurance, truth, courage, and unity in love. Use #NehemiahResponse in your posts to connect with other prayer warriors!
About the National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.
To learn more, or to find a National Day of Prayer event in your community, visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org.
