A Simple Prayer When We Need Jesus to Teach Us

The back-to-school season has arrived again. Depending on where they live and work, some teachers have already welcomed their students. Others are busy setting up their classrooms or will soon be doing so. And some—homeschoolers, for instance—are preparing, too, only in a different setting.

Teachers play a vital role in their students’ lives. They give instruction in math, writing, art, history, science, and more. But their influence extends further than these subjects. They communicate attitudes and values as well.

I recall my second-grade teacher with fond memories.

She’s the one who taught me to value books and love reading. She held a contest and promised the winner a one-year subscription to the kids’ Highlights magazine. She knew how to motivate me, and I won the contest!

In recent weeks I’ve thought about Jesus as a teacher. I learned that He was directly addressed 90 times in the gospels, and 60 of those called Him “Teacher.” He even referred to Himself as a teacher:

“ You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am” (John 13:13 ESV).

Matthew noted that He taught as one having authority, not as the religious scribes. (Matthew 7:29 ESV).

Two thousand years after He walked this earth, Jesus is considered the greatest Teacher who ever lived. It only makes sense, then, that we look to Him and His teachings to learn how to live well.

Psalm 27:11 says, “Teach me how to live, O LORD.” This simple prayer covers all our concerns.

Here are five examples:

Teach me how to live, O LORD, when I don’t know how to respond to a critical family member.

Teach me how to live, O LORD, when I don’t know how to pray for my adult child who’s making really bad decisions.

Teach me how to live, O LORD, when I lack understanding about money matters.

Teach me how to live, O LORD, when I walk through valleys with scary dark shadows.

Teach me how to live O LORD, when dark clouds of depression hang over me.

I want Jesus to teach me how to live in regards to where I focus my writing energy during this season of my life. I want Him to teach me how to live within the context of a challenging relationship. I want Him to teach me how to live within my neighborhood so I can be a blessing to those around me.

My prayer is,

“Jesus, You are the greatest Teacher who ever lived. You possess all wisdom and knowledge. Please teach me Your ways in regards to using this gift of writing You’ve given me, and I will follow Your instruction. Teach me how to respond in a gracious way in this difficult relationship. Teach me how to live as a light in my community. Teach me Your ways and help me learn well. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

What do you want Jesus to teach you at this time? What’s your prayer?