a teacher’s prayer
Lord Jesus, when you lived and worked and talked amongst men in Palestine, they called your Teacher.
Help me to remember the greatness of the work which has been given to me to do; that I work with the most precious material in the world, the mind of youth. Help me always to remember that I am making marks upon that mind which time will never rub out.
Give me patience with those who are slow to learn, and even with those who refuse to learn. When I have to exercise discipline, help me to do so in sterness and yet in love. Keep me from the sarcastic and the biting tongue, and help me always to encourage those who are doing their best, even if that best is not very good.
Help me to help my students, not only to store things in their memories, but to be able to use their minds, and to think for themselves. And amidst all the worries and the frustrations of my job, help me to remember that the future of the nation and of the world is in my hands. Amen.
