Teacher Thoughts and Prayers
MORNING
Psalm 86 • Genesis 28: 10-17 • John 1: 43-51
EVENING
Psalm 15, 67 • Isaiah 66: 1-2, 18-23 • 1 Peter 5: 1-11
I am a teacher going back to teach my students.
In person.
During the pandemic in the fall of 2020. (Like so many teachers today.)
And I work with children under the age of five.
I am as ready as I’ll ever be. I’ve been looking forward to it. I love my job and despite the manner in which I downplay my work (I smile and tell folks, “I get to sing songs and play games with children all day”), I believe that what I offer small children is essential.
My lesson plans are ready. My safety and cleaning protocols have been reviewed and practiced and reviewed again. My co-workers know I’m ready to step in and help them and their children when necessary and I know they’re ready to help me. Those of us who are going back know what we have to do and it’s time to do it.
And you better believe I’m going to be praying my guts out every day at work.
So I am very thankful for today’s readings. It takes no leap of the imagination for me to pray to God the following words:
Keep watch over my life,
while I watch over these little ones...
for I am faithful,
I mean, I am here at the school, right?
Just showing up counts for something.
Save your servant
(who is grateful to have this job)
Who puts his trust in you.
because… Who else is there?
I call upon you all the day long.
as others call on me, over and over…
Gladden the soul of your servant,
So I can keep smiling in my eyes and in my voice,
For to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
because… Who else can take care of it?
Teach me your way, O Lord,
I’ll try and teach them.
Knit my heart to you that I may fear your Name.
More than I fear this disease,
More than I fear dying,
or worse, failing my children.
For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the nethermost Pit.
I’m still here… so far, so good.
The arrogant rise up against me, O God,
and a band of violent men seeks my life;
Not to name names, and I’m sure it’s not true—
Some days it feels true, but I’m sure it’s not.
They have not set you before their eyes.
So, please don’t let me make that same mistake.
Turn to me and have mercy upon me;
Let me be healthy,
let me teach my students,
and keep my family safe when I go home,
give your strength to your servant;
I’m sure gonna need it
and save the child of your handmaid.
Yes, Lord, save the child,
The child in front of me,
And the child within me.
Show me a sign of your favor,
Let me be healthy,
let me teach my students,
and keep my family safe when I go home,
(or keep showing me rainbow after it rains, that’s nice, too)
so that those who hate* me may see it and be ashamed,**
Not to name names...
because you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
I am healthy today.
I am with my students today.
My family is safe today.
Please, Lord, save the child.
— from Psalm 86
*or disagree with me / think I’m reckless / find me ridiculous
** or be willing to admit that there may be multiple solutions to the challenge of educating our children.
Written by Troy Schremmer
Troy works with preschool age children as an enrichment teacher in music and movement. He and his wife Jonny (who works with older children) are both going back to work this month. Prayers for our family (and students and co-workers) are certainly appreciated.