This Year’s School List Should Include Prayer

Keeping the date in mind when this will be posted, I cannot help but to think of our children, returning to school today or recently. I can draw upon many comparisons to my school days and the way things are now, and see some similarities, but the stark contrasts are by far the ones that come to mind most.

Sure, we had homework to hand in and tests to study for, and who can forget the pleasant pop quizzes that came along the way. That has not changed. We had the differences of opinion with either: a teacher; or a classmate; or even an upper classman to contend with, all a part of the school day which dealt more with the social aspect rather than curriculum. Generally speaking, that has not changed, save for the online social media aspect, which has been introduced and the fact that most school districts have started thwarting the bullying, which unfortunately often ruled the landscape.

My generation, however, had something priceless: feeling secure while at school. We never had to deal with bomb drills, and hiding under our desks, converting them into impromptu bomb shelters. We did not have to worry about lockdowns and people entering our school building, bringing with them an evil agenda of death and destruction of lives. Still, to this day, and after all the different tragedies that have taken place in our nation's schools, I am in disbelief. When did society take such a wrong turn that our schools became open targets for these horrible actions? I want to point out that we should not feel helpless or hopeless in the face of this adversity.

All of us have or know someone attending school this year. As believers of Christ, we can pray for these children, their teachers and school staff. Assure them that they are in the hands of God, whether or not they approach you with fear or hesitation. The fact of the matter is that our children will be better prepared for school if prayer is a part of their daily routine. It should be an integral part of their day as they strive to build a relationship with Him. Personally, I cannot think of something more comforting than knowing that God is on our side, as Father and Defender. After all, "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalm 118:6, NIV).

Go the extra mile: Adding a Post-It with a message and prayer goes a long way! This year, let us not limit our children's preparedness to nice new apparel and school supplies; arm them with God's love and care as well.

Written by Jesabel Cruz
Office Manager and Case Worker, Red Bank Corps