Fast Day 17: Fasting for Education

By Leah Anaya

Proverbs 9:10 NKJV says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” The most important lesson children will ever learn in their precious lives is how to fear and love the Lord.

There is a 100% chance that the public schools in our community are not teaching our children to fear or seek to know the Lord. In fact, many times they teach essentially the exact opposite, in substance if not specifically in verbiage. (I’d love to say it’s the opposite for private schools, but that’s sadly not always true.)

The good news for those who have children in public schools is that it has always been the primary role of a parent to diligently teach their children God’s commandments as we keep them in our own hearts (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). You have the same job in the home as every other parent, regardless of where they are educated. However, the bad news (without inciting fear) is that the enemy loves to prey on our children and he has the perfect playground in schools where the absence of the Lord is demanded and enforced. It becomes even more important to diligently cover our kids in prayer as they enter this playground.

More good news for our public-school children: Programs like Teach 1 to Lead 1, Love in Action, and Read NW serve as a defense against the enemy when they pour into those in the classrooms while wielding the Sword of Truth! Through mentorship, partner reading, creating a safe environment, or providing tangible goods, those who serve in the classroom are also obeying their calling to be a light to children, their parents, teachers, and others in the school administration. “You are the light of the world,” says Matthew 5:14-16. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Without godly wisdom, education is incomplete! Educating our children is of course important, but above all else, from learning shapes and colors to completing a final dissertation, they need to learn to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). And when we need help and lack wisdom, we can ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5).

1.      What ways can you think of that the enemy targets our children?

2.      Are you having open discussions with your children on how they can or are being targeted? How are you turning these discussions back to the Bible?

3.      Where has the Lord called you to be a light? How have you responded to that command? How are you encouraging your children to be a light while protecting them?\

Prayer Points: Kids on the Rock, for provision and guidance;  Families of school-aged children, that they receive the most important lesson of all: that Jesus Christ is their Savior and that they are so, so loved; School-related ministries: Lift up organizations and ministries like Love in Action, Read NW, Teach 1 to Lead 1, and others who train volunteers to be able to connect with children (and adults) and encourage their growth in Christ. Let’s pray for provision for these organizations to have the funding and connections needed to be as effective as possible.