Education
“Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me?” saith the Lord: “or what is the place of my rest?” [Acts 7:49 KJV]
Throughout history, both the state and the church have claimed responsibility for the role of educating children. The responsibility of educating children is a task God has given to parents. Parents have direct authority over their children. Parents are commanded to teach their children the ways of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
While schools have responsibility of teaching the academic curriculum, the church on the other hand has a role to equip and aid parents and school staff to carry out fully their responsibility for the spiritual education of the future generation. Over the past 150 years, the majority of Western countries have become dominated by monopolistic and compulsory state school systems.
Twenty-first century Australians are members of a global community, connected to the whole world by ties of culture, economics and politics, enhanced communication and travel. This shared environment enables young people to be part of a global education and participate in influencing a better future for the world. In principle, it also emphasises the unity and interdependence of human society, develops a sense of self and appreciation of cultural diversity, affirms social justice and human rights, and builds peace and actions for a sustainable future in different times and places.
Yet at the same time we see lots of challenges around the world, but if we pray into these issues asking God to give us wisdom, provision, blessings, knowledge, assurance, affirmation, connection; we can make a difference to change the culture of countries who are suffering because of war, poverty and natural disasters which prevent the people from having good education.
Pray for the below challenges cited by the Global Partnership for Education as God leads you:
- Child labor
- Countries affected by fragility and conflict
- Disability
- Domestic financing
- Early childhood care and education
- Economic development
- Education planning
- Enrolment
- Environment
- External financing
- Gender dilemma
- Global grants for the education in poor countries
- Health
- Inequality
- Learning and literacy
- Lower-secondary school completion
- Mother tongue
- Out-of-school children
- Peace and tolerance
- Poverty
- Primary school completion
- Refugees
- Secondary education
- Teachers
- Technology
Scriptures:
“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” [Deuteronomy 11:18-19]
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. [Psalm 34:7]
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” [Matthew 19:14[
Prayer for Children who need Education in Poor Countries
Lord, children around the world need an education to have the full and abundant life You came to give them. Your Word demonstrates how You touch people’s hearts to spur them to action for their own benefit. Bless people living in poverty by providing ways to learn to read and to apply this new skill to help lift their families out of poverty — for this generation and generations to come. Amen
“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.” [Proverbs 4:13]
9 Facts to know about Education around the World
Millions of children and adults around the world lack the access to education for various reasons — some live in conflict zones, others aren’t allowed to attend school because they’re girls, or they don’t attend because their families need them to work and bring in income to support the family. But because education promotes the understanding of social justice, interdependence, and identity, it is key to eradicating global poverty by 2030. Here are nine facts you need to know about global education.
- Around the world 59 million children of primary school age are being denied an education, and almost 65 million adolescents are without access to a secondary school.
- Conflict and natural disasters have disrupted the education of 75 million children.
- In one of three countries, less than three quarters of teachers are trained to national standards, resulting in 130 million children enrolled in school who are not even learning the basics.
- A child whose mother can read is 50% more likely to survive past the age of 5.
- Nearly 15 million girls of primary school age will never have the opportunity to learn to read and write in primary school, compared to about 10 million boys.
- It would take $39 billion (USD) every year to send all adolescents to school.
- In 2012, there were 168 million child labor workers aged 5 to 17. This is one reason many children cannot attend school.
- Over 40 years, equitable access to quality education can help a country raise its gross domestic product per capita by 23%.
- If all women had a primary education, there would be 1.7 million fewer malnourished children.
Education Sphere – Schools & Institutes
The Education sphere of society includes teachers, administrators, home school instructors, office staff, coaches, bus drivers, counsellors, psychologists, social workers, case workers, school staff and volunteers, community partners, school board members, professors at unis and colleges, researchers on the education curriculum and system, schools’ board members, educators for special needs, parents and children at all levels of education from preschool thru graduate levels.
A Declaration of Peace and Protection at Our Schools
Scripture (Psalm 91:1-13):
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
Reflections of the Heart
God desires that educators and students are safe at schools. So, let us pray for their protection.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your love and presence at (speak the name of your school or institution). Thank You for Your provision our teachers, administrators, home school instructors, office staff, coaches, bus drivers, counsellors, psychologists, social workers, case workers, school staff and volunteers, community partners, school board members. We thank You, Lord, for safety and protection for every person in this school, uni, tafe etc. (speak the name of your school or institute). Thank You for blessing our community with Your peace. We, humbly come before Your throne of grace asking you to bless everyone and everything. You are awesome Lord, We sing praises to You, our Father, and declare Loud that You are the King over all of the earth!
Almighty Father, we decree that You are the Light and Salvation of all the Education sphere in every nation. You are the fortress of education, protecting everyone involved in this sphere from danger, from bullying, from control, from ungodly thoughts, from the evil one.
In Jesus’ Name, we rebuke every spirit of fear, intimidation, murder, theft, vandalism, violence, bullying, destruction, discord and perversion. We confess the following promises of God upon all the Education sphere.
Holy Spirit, give us courage and help us as Christians, to share Christ with the unsaved in all schools and institutions. Use Christians wherever they are to witness to the truth to also bring holiness and blessing into all the Education sphere.
Holy Spirit, impart into all students Your spirit of excellence, like Daniel, and other prophets, Bless all educators and everyone working in the education sphere for their service to our community. Help them to remain committed to their educational “calling.” Keep them safe in their classrooms and lead and guide them as they teach. Grant them the truth, wisdom, creativity, and grace Increase also the wisdom and understanding of all parents on how to Lead godly lives based on your gospel and law.
Heavenly Father, we forgive all educators for any acts of sinfulness, including theft, strife, discord, jealousy, rivalries, violence, injustice, hatred, oppression, greed, idolatry, pride, slander, sexual immorality, selfish ambition, abuse of any type, drunkenness, wild parties, division, and other sins like these. We Forgive those who committed ungodly behaviours in our schools and institutions to come to repentance, declaring that you all God of all.
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation.
Merciful Father, forgive the sins of educators who has the beliefs of liberalism and they are trying to force these beliefs on the next generation. (speak the specific sins). We ask you Lord to send intercessors, prayer leaders, Compassionate evangelists to speak the truth and preach the gospel in all private and public schools. Increase the awareness of parents for sacrificing their kids to excessive television, video games, music and to the ways and customs of the world. Forgive us, as a nation, for devaluing the worth of teachers and education.
We claim the blood of Jesus over the Education sphere (verses about the blood – PDF document)
Key Scripture:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters [Colossians 3:23]
Upholding the Department of Education in your Daily Prayer throughout August
(This section is for Australia, check your nation’s curriculum for your Education sphere.)
- Please discern carefully before you go into this section.
- Claim the blood of Jesus over all the Education department’s sections.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to show what to pray for and how to pray for these sections
- Ensure that you lift the name of Jesus on high and give Him the glory
- Prepare yourself for the battle as you discover holes set by the enemy by reading psalm 91 for your protection.
- Read the scriptures at this link – PDF document
Let us start by reclaiming the sphere of Education to God:
Heavenly Father, I pray that every branch in the tree of the sphere of education is saved. We proclaim your glory, your shining light, your words over all the sphere of education in Australia and globally. We believe what we ask for; let your will be done in the Education sphere as it is in Heaven.
Teaching and Learning
For: Parents and carers Principals and teachers Students
The Australian Government is committed to supporting students—particularly those who need additional help or experience disadvantage—to participate in education, and move from school into the workforce to lead productive lives.
Scripture:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. [Romans 12:2]
Australian Curriculum
For: Education authorities Parents and carers Principals and teachers Students
Australia has a national curriculum, the Australian Curriculum, which provides schools, teachers, parents, students, and the community with a clear understanding of what students should learn, regardless of where they live or what school system they are in (education.gov.au/australian-curriculum).
Scripture:
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness [2 Timothy 3:16]
Parent Engagement in Children’s Learning
For: All Parents and carers
Parents, families, and carers are a child’s first and most important teachers. The Australian Government has many initiatives and resources to help parents, schools, and communities work together to improve their child’s learning – education.gov.au/supporting-family-school-community-partnerships-learning/family-school-partnerships
Scripture:
You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. [Deuteronomy 11:19]
Schooling
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring Australia’s schools are high quality and deliver the learning outcomes our children need to be successful learners. While states and territories are responsible under the Australian Constitution for school education, the Australian Government plays an important role in providing national leadership across important policy areas, including quality teaching, boosting literacy and numeracy outcomes, and parental engagement.
Scripture:
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. [2 Timothy 2:15]
Portfolio: Education and Training
For: Ministers for Education and Training
Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills
The Hon Karen Andrews MP, Department of Education and Training
The Australian Government Department of Education and Training is responsible for national policies and programmes that help Australians access quality early childhood education, school education, higher education, vocational education and training, international education and research. Please uphold all these sections in your prayers. Read John chapter 1 and meditate on it for the following sections within the department of Education.
- Agencies in the Education sphere
- Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority
- Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership
- Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
- Australian Research Council
- Australian Skills Quality Authority
- Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency
- Australian Apprenticeships
- Australian Curriculum
- Australian Early Development Census
- Australian Qualifications Framework
- Australian Training Awards
- Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- Department of Education and Training Public Submissions
- Government Fee-Help
- International Education
- Learning Potential
- School
- Student Skills
- National Literacy and Numeracy Week
- Preparing Secondary Students for Work
- Provider Registration and International Students Management System
- School Entry Point
- Student’s well being
- Study Assist – Centerlink help
- International students
- Trades Recognition Australia
Scripture:
As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. [Daniel 1:17]
Education and Training Agencies
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority develops and administers national school curriculum, develops and administers national assessments, collects and publishes school performance data, provides school curriculum resource services and provides support to teachers.
Scripture:
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership: The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) provides national leadership for the Commonwealth, state and territory governments in promoting excellence in the profession of teaching and school leadership.
Scripture:
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:9
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership: The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) provides national leadership for the Commonwealth, state and territory governments in promoting excellence in the profession of teaching and school leadership.
Scripture:
All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. [Isaiah 54:13]
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies: The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies conducts, facilitates and promotes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies, especially through research, collections and publications.
Controversial Issues in Schools: The study of controversial issues is acceptable for educational purposes consistent with the delivery of curriculum and provision of school programs and activities. School staff will manage controversial issues that may arise in the curriculum, school programs and activities, including in material used in the school or on excursions. This includes the views expressed by or the actions of teachers, external providers and visitors (including speakers and officials), audio-visual materials or live performances.
Controversial issues are managed in accordance with God’s orders and principles
- Schools are neutral places for rational discourse and objective study. 1 Kings 8:27
- Verse Concepts “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built!” Psalm 132:5
- Discussion of controversial issues in schools should allow students to explore a range of viewpoints and not advance the interest of any particular group. Exodus 15:17
- Material presented to students as part of school programs and school activities should be:
- age appropriate
- sensitive to student needs
- relevant to the curriculum
- relevant to the school according to godly purposes and goals
- consistent with Christian core values outlined in Values in Public Schools policy.
- School visits by official visitors are welcome although these visits may be controversial. Visits are to be conducted in accordance with protocols for particular occasions. 2 Samuel 7:2
- Contemporary material of an overtly political nature must not be distributed to students unless the material is for study purposes and is relevant to the delivery of the curriculum. The study of formerly published political and industrial material in an historical context and as part of the curriculum is not prevented by this policy. Let it be Lord according to your will and purposes. Psalm 84:1
- Material which discriminates or promotes discriminatory behaviour must not be distributed to students unless the material is for study purposes and is relevant to the delivery of the curriculum. The study of formerly published material in an historical context and as part of the curriculum is not prevented by this policy. 1 Kings 8:12
- Where outlined in the procedures, parents and carers should be informed about the participation of their children in delivery of curriculum, events, excursions, school programs or activities addressing controversial issues. Acts 7:49
- Parents, carers and students may hold different views. These views should be treated in a respectful manner. Expressing a view which may result in harassment, vilification and/or discrimination is not a right. Hebrews 3:2
- School facilities are not to be used at any time for activities that are illegal or inconsistent with the values of public education or the school’s purpose and goals. Hebrews 3:6
Scripture:
To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His. Job 12:13
Teach us to number our days,that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 1:7
Religious Education in Schools
Prayer for Catechists, SRE Teachers, Chaplains, Counsellors
Loving God, Creator of all things,
you called us to be in relationship with you and others.
Thank you for calling us to be Christian Educators
for the opportunity to share with others
what you have given to us.
May all those with whom we share the gift of faith
discover how you are present in all things.
May they come to know you, the one true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
May the grace of the Holy Spirit guide our hearts and lips,
so that we may remain constant in loving and praising you.
May we be a witness to the Gospel and ministers of your truth.
May all our words and actions reflect your love.
Amen.
Pray for Australian Schools – Private and Public
The Australian Schools Directory lists all Government and Private schools in Australia. Parents can easily find the type of school they want in any location in Australia. Should you wish to embark on a more detailed search across Australia to pray for each school go to this link australianschoolsdirectory.com.au
As well as ‘public schools’, the site also covers schools by Religion schools and preschools (Anglican schools, Uniting Church schools, Jewish schools, Christian schools etc), or search for Special Needs schools, or Alternative schools (such as Montessori or Steiner schools) or Boarding schools. Find schools by Category and Name.
New Prayer Initiative For Unis and TAFE across Australia
Right across Australia there are TAFE and University courses listed and planned to shape the future of our young people in 2018 and beyond.
- TAFE courses tafecourses.com.au
- University courses:
God is calling us to stand in the gap and pray for each course and for all the people who are teaching and coordinating, and students who have registered to study.
Adopting TAFE and UNI Courses for prayer is God’s mission to establish His kingdom in each course listed above; let the fire of the Holy Spirit move across our campuses.
If you wish to be part of this mission email me your interest at lilianschmid@prayerstrategy.org
If you live outside Australia, why not adopt education courses in your own country…?
References
Robert L. Dabney, “Secularized Education,” in Discussions, vol 3 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1982), p. 289
Steve Jurvetson https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/9-facts-about-education/
https://www.globalpartnership.org/data-and-results/education-data