Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control: against such things there is no law.”
I like how Joyce Myers says, “You may not know it, but when you gave your life to Jesus, all the fruits of the Spirit were planted inside you in seed form.” Those “seeds,” which is the fullness of the Holy Spirit, are in our children. As they grow up into Christ, the Holy Spirit will nurture and develop their character to be Christ-like. And when it’s all said and done, isn’t godly character the goal of education? For regardless of what station a person holds in this world, it is who they are becoming, that really matters.
Dear Lord,
Please help (name) to love you with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:33) and be filled with joy to overflowing (John 15:11). May he not follow the world’s speech of cruel, unfiltered words, but instead may he clothe himself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Col 3:12) Strengthen him to resist evil, and pursue righteousness, a godly life, and faith (I Tim 6:11). God, there is so much anxiety today, even among children. I pray (name) will be anxious for nothing (Phil 4:6) and not walk in a spirit of fear, but power, love, and self-control (I Tim 1:7). Grant him peace that transcends all understanding (Phil 4:7). Help him direct his mind to whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Phil 4:8). Thank you, Lord God, in the name of Jesus Your son, Amen.
Unlike Joe Fox who did not know Kathleen Kelly well enough yet to have her address, we know God knows us. May we ask with confident resolve, trusting that God hears, delights in, and answers our prayers as we cover and walk with our children both practically and spiritually throughout this school year.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Drazen Zigic
