Praying for a New School Year! (D)

Today we are praying for Discernment.

Discernment is to "distinguish, examine or search out thoughts and intentions of one's heart." We need to pray that our children develop discerning minds so that they may demonstrate biblical wisdom and insight that goes beyond textbook knowledge. We need to pray for our children to develop a Christian World View and be wise and bold enough to stand for it in a proper manner.

The Bible tells us that worldly people think biblical wisdom is folly and foolishness; they do not understand. However, when we have the Holy Spirit's help and discernment we understand God's Word is living and active...sharper than any two-edged sword. (1 Corinthians 2:14 and Hebrews 4:12)

Pray that your child will understand (discern) the ways of the Lord are right.

Father, help my children to be able to make tough choices. Help them decide over what is "good" and what is the "very best" according to Your Word and the plans you have for their life. Help them to be able to say NO when needed and to say YES if called. Give them wisdom to pick the BEST YES! I know not all good things are part of the loads or burdens that I, Kevin, or my children are meant to carry. Help us to understand and choose which paths you want us to walk and which loads are ours to to carry. I believe that when we are where You have called us to be, then we are surrounded by Your purpose and plans for us.  Please guide each of us each moment of every day to always choose You. Help them and me to always have a love for your people and your Word. Keep us digging deeper and learning more about You so that we may be better witnesses and gain more wisdom to be able to share your love more effectively. Thank you for your unfailing love and mercy and for forgiveness when we don't choose the best yes. In Jesus Christ Name I Pray, Amen.

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 ESV

"Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them." Hosea 14:9 ESV

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Praying for a New School Year! (A)

Is Summer really already over? WOW! I can't believe our youngest is a SENIOR in HIGH SCHOOL and our oldest is a SENIOR in COLLEGE! I am going to do my best to pray specifically for Godly Character Traits this school year for my sons, children church kids, their teachers, myself...will you join me? If so, here it goes for day 1...A is for ATTITUDE!

When you have a child (or yourself) with "no filter"...attitude can be everything. Today I am praying his words will be filled with mercy and grace and seasoned with salt. Let him be the Light to the dark world around him. I pray that his words, when intended to be a joke will be interpreted that way... we both have a quirky sense of humor! Like the three Hebrews who chose to stand vertically, I pray that when given the opportunity to STAND for what is right, the chance will be respectfully seized instead of bowing down. Lastly, I pray he will have an attitude of respect for those in authority over him.

I am praying for the staff and employees to have positive attitudes and not be afraid to share the Gospel when given the opportunity. For them to have listening ears and hearts burning with desire to change the generation set before. them.

"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;

keep watch over the door of my lips!" Psalm 141:3ESV

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in your sight,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 16:14ESV

Michael PHS Senior 2020 (future attorney)

Lord, please put your arms around our shoulders and your hand over our mouths has we try to have an attitude pleasing to you today. #177moredays #SeniorYear #WelchCollege #PocahontasHighSchool 

 Matthew Welch College Senior 2020 (future Children's/Youth Pastor)

According to Gary Smalley's personality traits test my youngest son is a LION!!! Well, his mother's secondary trait is a lion also...as a lion we are very demanding and impatient along with being an impulsive and poor listeners, quick tempered and irritable and are constantly making efforts to make our personality productive and purposeful. My dominant personality trait is a "beaver" and this is the other part of my youngest son...The perfectionist nature of a beaver often makes such people prone to legalism and procrastination. Moreover, when there are unrealistic standards, we can also lack in expressing warmth within a relationship. (in the DISC personality test we are a D and S). My other son and husband are the opposites of us...makes for a balances household!  Curious about your or your child's personality? Take a free online quiz here: Smalley's Personality Profile Test

I live in a community where the retired teachers gather and pray every year for the school year...such a blessing!