New School Year Prayer...

This morning as I was driving to 6 am Bible Study, I began to think about some of who students who are starting their new school year today. Some don't start until next week, but West Aurora schools and middle school start today.

As I was driving up to the church at about 7:15 am, I realized that many of these students would be heading into the building (if they weren't already there) for their first day.

And I prayed for them.

• Prayed that they would make the most of the opportunities that God puts before them.
• Prayed that they would realize that God may have put that person next to them in chemistry, calculus, world history, American literature or physical education rather than the teacher or the alphabet.
  
• Prayed that some of the habits of this summer like daily Bible reading, prayer, quiet time and Scripture memorization don't disappear in the face of homework.
• Prayed that they would be careful with their time and how much their put on their plate.
  
• Prayed that as they walked their hallways, they would look for opportunities to serve rather than being served.
• Prayed that they would value their education as many around the world don't have the same opportunity.
  
• Prayed that they would respect and serve their teachers.
• Prayed that they would stand up for what God says is right in the face of peer pressure and fitting in.
  
• Prayed that God would bring into their path people who are hurting and in need of someone to point them to the source of help and healing... Jesus.
• Prayed that they would have the opportunity to share their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord with a friend who doesn't know Jesus.
  
• Prayed that our student ministry would be a place where they can bring folks from their school and they can be welcomed and introduced to our Savior Jesus Christ.

If you're reading this and you're a member of Fox Valley, would you join me in praying for our students who are going back to school in the Aurora school districts? The students in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and others return next week, feel free to pray these things for them as well.

If you're not a member of Fox Valley, but are reading this somewhere else... Please pray for the students who call your church their home. I'm sure your youth minister and youth ministry would appreciate it.

Jim