One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1)
Test scores were rising! Celebrations of learning evolved naturally. The Incentive Awards for progress made in closing the learning gap for marginalized students were publicized in the news. Morale was positive. How blessed to be in a school where teachers believed in using best practices and willingly, contagiously modeled them for others. Leaving the classroom observation after affirming the teacher’s impact on students and the whole team, I whispered, “Thank you Lord, for giving me the discernment to hire this teacher!”
Now a retired teacher/principal and doting aunt, I delight in proudly, thankfully applauding my nieces and nephew who are young educators already making an amazing difference in their students and schools through their inspiring, successful practices.
But most importantly, I am thankful for Jesus, the master teacher, who taught and modeled the important things in life for his friends and followers. When he prioritized and modeled the importance of praying, regardless of what was happening, his friends wanted to learn how to pray. Yes, he masterfully taught them how to pray: reverently, relationally, humbly, repentantly, boldly, submissively, and confidently. But first, he modeled the practice of praying!
We know how to pray. Now, we must intentionally spend time doing it. As we do, we will deepen our relationship with him, discover our desires and requests aligning with his will, and receive his answers.
Pique interest in a personal practice to impact people around you positively.
Sue Rickman, a retired public school principal and adjunct professor, is a wife, mother, and “Mimi” to two grands. She enjoys piano, reading, biking, and scrapbooking and serves on the General Board of The Wesleyan Church and World Hope International.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
