A Prayer for the Teaching Task

Photo by Changbok Ko on Unsplash

“Since it hath pleased Thee, O Lord, that I should be called to take my part in the teaching of this College, grant that I may not assume the same lightly, or without a due sense of the importance of my trust; but, considering it a stewardship, whereof I shall have to render an account hereafter, may faithfully fulfil the same to Thy honour and glory. Grant, O Lord, that neither by word nor deed I may do aught that may weaken the faith, or slacken the practice of those committed to my charge; but rather grant to me such measure of Thy Holy Spirit, that my duties may be discharged to Thy honour and glory, and to the welfare of both the teacher and the taught. Grant this, O Lord, through Thy son, Jesus Christ, who is the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. Amen.”

J.B. Lightfoot, 19th-century New Testament Professor, Bishop of Durham,

Professor Robert Creech taped this prayer on his desk. He shares this in an interview with The Baptist Standard.

Teaching is a trust, a responsibility to be stewarded. In a theological school, all teaching should be undergirded by prayer, so that God, by grace, might draw us together heavenward.

For the good things that are taught, to God be the glory, and for the mistakes that are made, Lord, have mercy.