Since April begins with the letter A, let’s pray for our Bible teachers this month that they have a sense of Appreciation. Teachers need to be affirmed, not to puff them up but to build them up. A sense of appreciation provides a source of encouragement, helping them know that their “labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58).
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (1 Thess. 5:12-13)
Unfortunately, we often don’t express enough genuine appreciation to our teachers so part of praying in this way includes praying for ourselves and the Body to respond as we should. And, let’s pray that teachers don’t get discouraged when they don’t hear words of gratitude and affirmation. Following are a some ideas for how you can pray:
- Pray for wisdom in how leaders can regularly express appreciation.
- Pray that teachers will first and foremost find their worth in the Lord.
- Pray that leaders, students, and the Church as a whole value and express appreciation for the ministry of these Bible teachers.
- Pray that teachers will not let negative feelings overtake them if they are not affirmed as they should be.
Get more ideas in the Praying for Bible Teachers Throughout the Year Guide. The resource isn’t dated so you can begin at any time of the year.