"A Call to Prayer"
It might seem a bit odd to have prayer the topic here in our "research corner" that we have designated for issues relating to education. However, in Christian education, prayer should be an intricate part of our educational system. Satan wants to keep us weak in our knowledge of prayer, and in our desire to pray. He is opposed (quite strongly) to prayer! We must constantly be on high alert. I am reminded of the verse in Zechariah 4:6 that says, "it is not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord." Before you read through the challenges below, would you open your heart just now and ask God to speak specifically to you in your present situation? Then prayerfully consider the following challenges:
1. Ask for personal prayer if you are an administrator or teacher. God can show you those who would be faithful to lift you up in prayer daily. Go to them and tell them specific needs you personally have that they could pray for.
2. Build prayer teams. If we were soldiers on a battlefield, we would not be scattered and working on our own little projects, but we would be together in teams. Read what others have written about prayer teams and intercession. Build groups of people to pray for your school facilities, your faculty, and your students.
3. Challenge students to pray. Jesus told his disciples to bring the little children to Him. Children often have more faith than adults! Set aside time for student prayer and God WILL bless.
4. ASK BIG . . . the Bible says in several places to "ask" and we will "receive." Why do we ask so small? ! We are talking to GOD ALMIGHTY who created the world! He wants us to ask big! He wants to supply our every need.
5. EXPECT BIG . . . if you are going to ask big, you need to expect big things from God. Study how God worked in the Bible times and read about how He is working among Christians today. Take special note: the unusual WILL occur, for that is just like our God!
6. Ask for protection from evil for those praying and for the school. Satan will not sit by and watch God move among you without trying to stop it. Expect some problems but know that God will protect and will not allow Satan more control than is within God's divine plan.
Remember Who is really in charge.
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