Dear Lord God,
Thank you for this new school year and the opportunity to teach children. Thank you for how your Word applies to my everyday life —like preparing for Sunday school. Teach me to relate David’s words to my preparation prayer, using Psalm 145 as a framework.
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:1 NIV
Lord, I praise you, and let me keep praising you during this new teaching season. Help me meditate on verses 4-7 of Psalm 145 as I pray to prepare for this class. Lord, please clean up my heart and attitude before this school year starts. I confess the frustration and fatigue that I feel in my life right now. Forgive me for the times that I disobey and neglect you. Keep me from being impatient, shallow, or incomplete in my teaching. Thank you that, before every lesson, this curriculum offers specific Bible teaching and challenges for me as teacher. Teach me how to maximize my use of these Christ-centered, Bible-based lessons.
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4
Commend & Tell
Lord, you inspired David to write of one generation relaying your works and mighty acts to another. But you know that I am two generations removed from these first and second graders. As a gap-bridging God, please help me communicate your message to these kids. When I teach, let me speak clearly with words, gestures, and examples these children can understand. Guide me to the clearest ways to share your love and your Word with them.
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. Psalm 145:5
Speak and Meditate
Teach me how to explain your majesty in a way that honors and praises you. Lord, get me out of the way. Cleanse me from my self-interests and self-centered distractions. Give me insight to recognize the children’s cues when they don’t understand the concept or relate to my examples. Stop me if I try to rely on my previous knowledge and shortchange my preparation. Teach me how to meditate on the Bible passage and memory verse as I prepare for each lesson.
They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds. Psalm 145:6
Proclaim
I praise you for your miracles—guide me as I teach the many lessons about your miracles for the Israelites. Give me explanations of how you provide for us today, with real-life examples the kids can understand. Jesus, help them connect your miracle of manna in the desert with your provision of loved ones to feed them. Let me praise your works with relevant descriptions and connections for these young children.
Lord thank you for the sweet illustrations, bright colors, and other attention-getting aspects of these lessons. Show me how to emphasize the lesson concepts, repeat the memory verses, and challenge these kids to learn. Most of all, let me proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Jesus, the curriculum focuses on you—open each child’s heart and mind to understand your truth.
They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalm 145:7
Celebrate & Sing
Dear Jesus, teach our class to celebrate who you are and what you have done for us. Thank you for children’s music that emphasizes Bible truths. Remind me of songs that will help the kids memorize Bible verses and lesson concepts.
Lord, guide my mouth to praise you as I teach Sunday school this year. Let our class sing and praise you as we study your Word together. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
