A TEACHER’S PRAYER

Lord, when you lived and maked and talked among men in Palestine, they called you teacher. Help me to remember the greatness of the work which has been given to me to do, that I work with the most precious material in the world, the mind of youth. Help me alw remember that I’m making marks upon that mind which time will never rub out. Give me patience with those who are slow to learn, and even with those who refuse to learn. When I have to exercise discipline, help me to do so in sternness and yet in love. Keep me from the sarcastic and the biting tongue, and help me always to encourage those who are doing their best, even if that best is not very good. Help me to help my students, not only to store things in their memories, but to be able to use their minds, and to think for themselves. And amidst all the worries and the frustrations of my job, help me to remember that the future of the nation and of the world is in my hands. Amen