Our Heavenly Father,
We praise you for your steadfast love that shall not depart from us, your covenant of peace that shall not be removed, and that you have compassion on us (Isaiah 54:10).
We confess that we daily forget – even deny – your great love and sovereignty. We confess that we’re often more motivated by self-love than by our love for you. We want to consciously make an effort tonight, with your help, to turn from our illusions of self-sufficiency, repent from serving our personal kingdoms, and turn our eyes, hearts, and minds upon you. We lay down our plans, sacrifice our wills, and take up your cross. Please help us to be like Jesus whose every action is motivated by love for you. If we rightly understand your great love, we would give thanks without ceasing and trust you continually to provide our daily portion.
You who gave up your own Son for us all will certainly, graciously give us all things (Romans 8:32)! You know our needs and our (seemingly) limited resources. And we know that you are the God who fed four thousand men with seven loaves of bread and two fish, that you compassionately provided for the physical needs of the people following you, that they all ate and were satisfied (Matthew 15:31-38). We expect and trust that you will also provide for your followers at this school.
Oh, the joy in knowing you and being yours! Joy is the effect of a grateful heart. Giving thanks shows our trust in you. When we complain about our circumstances, not only are we acting ungrateful, we’re showing a lack of trust – and what a grievous sin that is! The pride of not trusting is the pride of thinking that we know better than you. We confess we’re guilty of this pride, and we’re so grateful for your promise to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
We repent from serving ourselves and turn to you with grateful hearts. May the song of Psalm 103 resound from this school always and motivate all that we do here:
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s…. Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
We’re clinging to you, Father! Holy Spirit, please guide us in all truth tonight. Jesus, please clothe us with your likeness, compassionate hearts, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). As leaders of this school, help us to shepherd your flock here as you, God, would have us, willingly, eagerly, and as good examples (1 Peter 5:1-3).
It’s in Jesus’ name that we pray, Amen.
Written by: Danette Miller, Board Vice Chairwoman
