The Power of Prayer in the Midst of Challenges

Two weeks ago, I found myself standing at the crossroads of many important tasks—each one demanding my attention, pulling me in different directions. In that moment of decision, I felt a profound truth settle in my heart: not all battles are fought with action. Some are won through stillness. Against my better judgment, I chose not to dive into the sea of tasks that lay before me.  I chose to pray instead.

This wasn’t a fleeting prayer or a quick “help me, Lord” moment. The situation I was facing was complex and weighty. I decided to take a step back and seek clarity through extended prayer. I took a day off work and went to a small monastery near Three Rivers, where I could truly disconnect. I spent the day fasting, praying, and sitting in the silence of God’s presence.

The experience was transformative. The first thing I noticed was a profound sense of peace that washed over me, a peace I hadn’t realized I was missing. It wasn’t the kind of peace that comes from solving problems or making progress. It was the kind of peace that comes only when you surrender fully to God’s presence, trusting that He will guide you. As the hours passed in stillness, clarity began to unfold. After about three hours, I knew I was ready. I rose from that place of prayer and took action.

Since then, I’ve seen the Lord’s hand in everything I’ve done. He has orchestrated every step, bringing exactly the right people and resources at exactly the right time. At HCA, I want us to focus on making prayer central to everything we do, not only as staff but also as an entire community. I know we are blessed to be a part of a praying community, but I would like to offer a simple prayer prompt that I gave our teachers to utilize in praying for our students and the school. Please use this because I believe prayer is the greatest ingredient to pursuing school God’s way. Please pursue it with us!

Morning (Before Class)

Prompt:
“Lord, as the children begin this day, please help them to guard their words and actions. Grant them the wisdom to respond with love and patience to every student, teacher, and challenge they face today.”
Scripture:
Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

Mid-Morning (After the First Class)

Prompt:
“Father, as the children move through the morning, guide their interactions with peers and teachers. Help them to reflect Your grace and understanding in all their conversations. May their words be seasoned with kindness and patience.”
Scripture:
Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Lunch Break

Prompt:
“Lord, as my child takes a break, please refresh their spirit. Help them to find peace and joy in Your presence, and remind them of the importance of rest and reflection in their day.”
Scripture:
Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Mid-Afternoon (Before the Last Classes)

Prompt:
“God, as the children face the final part of their school day, give them strength and endurance. Help them to finish the day well, and may they be a source of encouragement to those around them.”
Scripture:
Isaiah 40:31 – “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

End of the Day

Prompt:
“Lord, thank You for guiding the children through this day. Help them to reflect on their actions and interactions, and grant them the wisdom to learn and grow from today’s experiences. May they carry Your love and peace into tomorrow.”
Scripture:
Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”