First Baptist Church is full of educators. From the beaches in Navarre to the cotton fields in Jay, education in Santa Rosa County is filled with educators who call FBC their home. Our church has a long history of ministry among schools in our county. Just a couple of years ago, we gave a substantial gift to the county to help eliminate the school lunch debt for families all across our county. This week we’ll deliver backpacks full of supplies to some elementary schools in the area. We’ve provided doughnuts, biscuits, lunches and snacks for teachers, athletic teams, student groups, etc. First Baptist Milton and education in Santa Rosa County have deep roots and a long relationship.
Each year our location association (Santa Rosa Baptist Association) asks churches to “adopt” a school as a prayer focus the week that teachers return to the classroom and the week before students return for the school year. First Baptist Church has historically been assigned to pray for Milton High School, and this year is no exception. Though MHS is our assigned prayer focus, there’s nothing stopping you from praying for other schools
More than ever, the school systems in our county, state, and nation need our prayers. “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). Scores of students at Milton High School are living in difficult home situations. Students and teachers alike face pressure to pass standardized tests. There’s a public perception that schools aren’t doing enough, but when it comes time for help, many of those who complain and criticize don’t offer to put in the work to provide a solution. Many teachers don’t receive salaries commensurate with their accomplishments. Bullies still exists, and they still do what bullies do. Lockdowns occur too frequently.
This week, as teachers return to school, we ask that you set aside a few minutes each day to pray for various needs that already exist and that will exist this school year. Below we have listed possible prayer topics for both teachers and students. Feel free to use this guide as you pray for Milton High School.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 2
TEACHERS: There are over 150 faculty and staff at Milton High School. View their directory HERE, and choose 25 people from this list. Jot down their last names, and pray for them by name. Today focus on praying that God would help these 25 people deal with the stress they feel as they prepare for the school year, as well as the stress they’ll experience during the school year.
STUDENTS: Pray for those students who have a hard time at home or in their families, and who find school as one of their only safe places. Pray that their family situation will improve, and that God would send someone to minister to the student and his or her family.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3
TEACHERS: There are over 150 faculty and staff at Milton High School. View their directory HERE, and choose 25 people from this list (that you haven’t already selected). Jot down their last names, and pray for them by name. Today focus on praying that God would help these 25 people make good and wise decisions as they plan their year, prepare to teach their subjects, and interact with students.
STUDENTS: Pray for those students who struggle with homework and get frustrated, discouraged, and depressed when they can’t figure it out. Pray that God will nudge them to reach out when they’re frustrated and that the person to whom they reach out will respond by giving them the help they need.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4
TEACHERS: There are over 150 faculty and staff at Milton High School. View their directory HERE, and choose 25 people from this list (that you haven’t already selected). Jot down their last names, and pray for them by name. Today focus on praying that God would help these 25 people be sensitive to colleagues and students who need a little extra kindness and compassion due to unseen circumstances in their lives.
STUDENTS: Today pray for the students at MHS who feel like no one cares about them. Ask God to use Christian students and teachers to speak an encouraging word to these students so they’ll be reminded that people do care about them.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
TEACHERS: There are over 150 faculty and staff at Milton High School. View their directory HERE, and choose 25 people from this list (that you haven’t already selected). Jot down their last names, and pray for them by name. Today focus on praying that God would sustain and strengthen these 25 people when they feel tired and weary in accomplishing their tasks and following their teaching plans.
STUDENTS: Pray today for the students who are targets of bullying and gossip. Pray that their bodies, ears, and hearts will be protected from unkind words and actions. Ask God to sovereignly place a believer in the life of that student when he or she most needs encouragement and hope.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6
TEACHERS: There are over 150 faculty and staff at Milton High School. View their directory HERE, and choose 25 people from this list (that you haven’t already selected). Jot down their last names, and pray for them by name. Today focus on praying that God would help these 25 people as they face mental fatigue and fight mental battles. Pray that God would nudge them to get help for themselves when needed.
STUDENTS: Pray for the students who are bullies or who instigate gossip and strife. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict their hearts and help them see the hurt they are causing. Pray that God will change their hearts and that by the end of the year they’ll begin to encourage others instead.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7
TEACHERS: There are over 150 faculty and staff at Milton High School. View their directory HERE, and choose 25 people from this list (that you haven’t already selected). Jot down their last names, and pray for them by name. Some of these people haven’t received salvation from Christ. Pray that they will come to know Jesus this school year. Others on your list are followers of Jesus. Pray that they will show Jesus in what they say and do this school year.
STUDENTS: Pray for those students at MHS who are Christians and desire to live out their faith. Pray that they will seize opportunities God provides them to let their light shine. Pray that others will see their faith and want to learn more about Jesus from them.
Thank you for sharing and doing this for Milton HS. When I was a principal and Myrtle Grove Baptist prayed and did a prayer walk around our school it meant so much to me and to our staff. Lives are changed through prayer.
Great job!🙏🙏🙏
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