If the superintendent thought our request strange, he did not say so, although his quizzical expression might have betrayed what he was thinking. Our church prayer coordinator had just asked permission for our prayer team to go into each of the three district schools– not to mentor, not to volunteer, not to participate in activities, but to pray. The superintendent agreed, and our ‘holy huddles’ began.
When school was over for the day, we gathered in small groups of 2 or 3, and clustered in empty hallways and silent rooms. We paused outside each doorway and prayed for those who would walk in and out of those doors the next day.
Outside each individual office and staff room, we prayed for:
- the adults who worked in that room
- salvation for those who did not know Christ
- increased faith for those who did
- their families and homes
- wisdom for their work in school
- their relationships with students & parents
- strength, peace and rest.
Outside each individual classroom, we prayed for:
- salvation for the children who did not know Christ
- increased faith for those who did
- their relationship with the teacher
- their safety and protection
- their parents and home lives
- children who were bullied
- those who bullied others
- children who did not enjoy school
- those who struggled with their learning
- children from unhappy homes
- God’s Holy Presence to fill this space.
In our holy huddles, we each prayed, not knowing where, how, or when our prayers might make a difference, but each believing that somewhere, somehow, and in God’s perfect timing, they would. And perhaps since we prayed, if there is one less bully in our schools, or one more child or teacher who has surrendered their life to Christ, then maybe that is due to the mysterious power of prayer.
Think about establishing ‘holy huddles’ in your school district. And believe that somewhere, somehow, and in God’s perfect timing, your prayers will make a difference.
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20
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