I participated again this year in the National Day of Prayer with our Greenville Area Ministerial Association. Here are my remarks and prayer for our education communities.
Proverbs 2:1-5, 9-11; Colossians 1:9-12
Just think, your mind is expanding, why not your faith?
Founded in 1877, Philander Smith University is a small, privately supported, historically Black, four-year liberal arts institution related to the Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. The heritage of Philander Smith University (8/1/2013 became a university) is deeply rooted in faith. An earlier version of their mission statement echoes its first mission by The Methodist Church to provide an education during “conflict and social change,” by educating current students to become “advocates for social justice.” The University’s current mission is “to graduate academically accomplished students, grounded as advocates for social justice, determined to change the world for the better.” (https://www.philander.edu/about and History Through The Years – Philander Smith University)
Terrance Roberts is one of the Little Rock Nine, a group of African-American students who were the first black students ever to attend Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Roberts spoke at Philander Smith in 1997 and shared these memories:
During the three-week period as we awaited the outcome of the legal wrangling over states’ rights versus federal rights, Philander Smith College faculty and students tutored us in the high school subjects being taught to our future Central High classmates…They continued to do this for the entire academic year of 1958-59 as well when all Little Rock public high schools were closed in the name of “segregation forever,” and African-American students were in need of educational resources (Philander Smith College Remarks, September 27, 1997 in Lessons from Little Rock, 168).
I am inspired by the leading role that belongs to higher education communities and their willingness to pursue transparent living and public teaching. I am energized in understanding that science, technology, engineering, arts, and math are neither combative nor conflicted but compatible with faith and the search for truth that God has put within us.
I am inspired by the educational thread from Jesus’ public teaching to schools like Philander Smith University and our own Montcalm Community College (Mission: Creating Opportunity through Education; Vision: An educated, employed, and thriving community) to the Church and to our own congregations.
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a helper and guide for His followers. In John 14:26 , He assures, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.” The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in illuminating Jesus’ teachings and empowering believers to live according to His example. (https://biblehub.com/topical/l/learning_from_jesus.htm)
Praise God for communities who learn, grow, love, and serve in serious and joyful ways. Let us pray.
Loving God, please prompt us continually to pray for our education communities from pre-school through college. May everyone who learns and labors in education be filled with the knowledge of You, Your Word, wisdom, will and ways so that all would walk, worship, and work in a manner worthy of You. Moment by moment may students, teachers, staff, school Boards, and families increase in the knowledge of You to be fruitful in every good work You have prepared. May joy and gratitude abound as they are strengthened by You. Keep them steadfast as You watch over them and let no distraction or darkness come near as they live in the light of Your love and Word.
Jesus, our Prince of Peace and the One who never leaves or forsakes us, let Your peace saturate the hearts and halls on campuses across our nation. Confront and break through the fear we feel in active shooter drills and lockdowns.
For the abused, those who do not feel safe or loved, please let them know You are love and their refuge, that they can call on You when they are afraid, and Your love is always and forever. Help them to learn, to live, and to not lose heart… (adapted from Praying Colossians Over Campuses)
Eternal and all-wise God, who has revealed thyself to the seers of all ages, grant us true wisdom in our time. We bless thee for the heritage of learning that has been placed in our hands through the earnest seeking of people of many generations. Let us be worthy of this gift… We pray thee, Lord, for open minds. Help us without reluctance or fear to apprehend new truth and to guard unspoiled the treasure committed to us. In gratitude to Thee and to those who have gone before, help us to carry forward the lamps they lighted and use them to thy glory. Amen. (Harkness, Be Still and Know, 90)