In the same way, the Spirit also helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. Romans 8:26-27, NIV

My beautiful friend Melanie once told me a story about one of her boys when he was little—a moment that gently reminded her how to pray.

A church member named Dennis had been in a terrible accident. He came to church in a wheelchair, his leg and arm were broken, and his body was covered in bruises. As the congregation prayed, one of Melanie’s boys looked at Dennis, lifted his hands, and offered this heartfelt prayer:

“Dear Lord, Dennis. Amen.”

That was it. That was the prayer…out of the mouth of babes. 

At this point in the school year, we know our students well. We know the ones who have trauma, the ones who need confidence, and even the ones who are hungry. As Christian teachers, we pray for our students daily. But there are days when we may feel overwhelmed by the needs and may not have the words to pray, and that is okay. During these overwhelming moments, we can just pray a name. We can lift their names to Jesus because He knows their needs. Or we can say to Him, “Dear Jesus, help _______, Amen.” 

He is always there interceding for us in our weakness. 

Dear Lord, thank You for giving me the ministry of teaching. Thank You for helping me when You know that I need help. Thank You for loving me and giving me the strength when I feel weak. Thank You, dear Jesus, for interceding for me when I don’t have the words. Jesus, I love You and thank You for helping me love them.

Copyright Eva Rogers.

Eva Rogers is a Christian Educators member and a kindergarten teacher in Tennessee.