Dear Father,
You take such good care of us. David prayed, “Answer me when I call you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” (Psalm 4:1) David knew his and all man’s standing with you – we’re desperately dependent on you. But David also knew your relationship with man – a Christian is one who has God as Father. Knowing he was your child was how he could ask for – demand, even – such things: Answer me; give me relief; have mercy on me; hear my prayer.
David wasn’t asking you to act out of your character or beyond your promises. You describe and reveale yourself as full of mercy. You promise to give us our daily bread and all things that are good for us, and you are God who hears and sees us. We know we have no hope if you don’t hear us, or have mercy on us, or give us relief. Those things are life, and they are only found in you. Thank you for hearing us, for your mercy, your gifts, and for answering our prayers.
God, we’re here to seek your kingdom – to ask where you’re working on earth and to join you in your work. We have very little to offer – even less than the poor widow’s coin – but we want to give all of it to you. Please accept our lives and use them however you can to share the truth and good news about Jesus Christ.
Lord, this is hard work, and the absolute only reason to do it – to run and not grow weary – is so that we can share your gospel. It’s so good, we have to share it. Jesus is the treasure worth selling everything for, and you want everyone to hear about Him and have the chance to know Him. We want that, too, God. We want to always be with you, to gaze on your face, to know the joy of your presence, and to worship you. To know you is the point of life, and the only reason to be here on earth after we’ve been adopted as your children is to draw others to Jesus. God, you know how that will be best done through this school and through every detail of our lives. You will be glorified and you will accomplish your good purposes in all things. You give us only what we need, and you withhold anything that would be harmful for us.
So, Father, we submit our wills and our ways to you. Please help align our desires with yours. We ask for only what we would want if we knew everything that you know. Thank you for hearing us. We give thanks to you, LORD, for you are good. Your love endures forever. (Ps 107:1) You’ve redeemed us. Let us tell our story and walk humbly with you, our God. (Micah 6:8) We are weary and heavy laden, and we don’t know what to do, but you know our state, and your direct marching orders are to yoke ourselves to Jesus – to be gentle and humble. (Mt 11:29)
Help us to be gentle and humble with each other, with our children, with the students, the teachers, and the families. Holy Spirit, have your way with us. Direct our paths. We ask all this as your children whom you dearly love because of Jesus. Amen.
Written by: Danette Miller, SCA Board Vice Chairwoman
