1 Samuel 16:7 (New International Version)
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Lord, open our eyes to the needs of Your people. May we seek You first.
We lift up those who are encouraging our youth that are deemed at-risk, like PURE Academy and JIFF. With the first day of school for many in Shelby County, we lift up our schools, that they be places of learning and joy. We pray for protection for the students coming and going. We lift up teachers and administrators, that they are encouraged in their work, and seek the best in all of their students. Lord, equip them to be role models for our children. Lord, we lift up all of the support staff – security officers, cafeteria workers, custodians – as well. May they be a calming and protective presence. We lift up those who are encouraging our youth that are deemed at-risk, like PURE Academy and JIFF, among others.
We pray for the next superintendent of Memphis, that they come with the right heart and skills to lead a complex and, what seems to be from the outside, a dysfunctional school system. We pray for a leader that believes in all of our children and fights for the resources needed to provide them a quality education. We pray for the parents, that they partner with the schools and teachers to prepare their students for the world. Lord, we ask that the school board seek Your guiding hand in this search. May egos be set aside to bring about positive change. In Your name we pray, amen.