Psalm 5- NIV

I think Psalm 5 is great to think about as it reminds us that no matter where we are or what we are going through, God is with us. We can be assured that he hears our heart’s needs and desires. We must continue to open the lines of communication to hear what he is saying to us as well. Let’s look at Psalm 5 and how we can pray this over our students this week.

A Prayer for Protection

5¹ [1]Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. ² Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. ³ In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. ⁴ For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. ⁵ The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; ⁶ you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest.

⁷ But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence, I bow down toward your holy temple. ⁸ Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies- make your way straight before me. ⁹ Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. ¹⁰ Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. ¹¹ But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. ¹² Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Takeaway:

It is comforting to know that God always hears our voice, and we can come to him anytime we want. That sort of open communication can assure us that He is surrounding us each moment. This does not mean that every day at home or with our students will be a perfect one. This is hardly the case. But what this Psalm does show us is that through the highs and the lows of our days, God knows our thoughts, joys, and pains. When we continue to do His will and work through the struggles of everyday life with Him, you will be a light to your students. A great role model for how to persevere and how to trust in God when things happen that are out of our control.

Prayer:

Father in Heaven,

What comfort we can know that you are with us wherever we are. No matter if it is at home after a hard day at school or between classes in the hallway, you are with us. May you guide and protect my students and my family this week. Show them Your love this week by how I model my actions in the classroom. Help me to create a safe classroom where students can share not only their highs but also their lows about the day or week. Continue to surround us with your safety and love. Help us to love one another wherever we are this week.

-Amen

Weekly Discussion Questions for Students:

• What have been some highs (good things) things week? How about lows?
• How can we be there for each other this week if someone in our class is having a hard time?
• What can we do to lift someone during lunch, recess, etc. if they are feeling left out this week?
• What does it mean to you to belong? How does it make you feel when you belong? How does it make you feel when you know you do not belong?
• How can we show compassion to others outside of school this week in our communities?

Praise

• Write down anything that is going well this week for you and your students

Requests

• Write down prayer requests for health, protection, and wisdom for you and your students this week

I hope you have a wonderful week and that you can find yourself seeking God’s refuge as well as hearing his voice this week as you work with your students.