College Chaplain

How to Pray for Our School 

Article by Rev Peter Landry, College Chaplain 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6–7 

Whether you pray regularly, occasionally, or have never really thought about prayer before, I’d like to share a few thoughts on how we might support our College community through prayer. 

The ongoing Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) negotiations and associated industrial action have made this a particularly challenging season for our community. It is a complex time. We all share a deep investment in our children and their education, yet we bring different perspectives, concerns, experiences and expectations. Times like these are when it matters most that we come together and support one another: our families, our staff and our students.  So, where might prayer fit into that? 

Why prayer? 

Prayer isn’t about arm-wrestling God, finding the most eloquent words or reaching some higher tier of holiness. At its heart, prayer is about connection.  It’s a chance to step away from our phones, our to-do lists and the expectations we place on ourselves and others, and to connect with something bigger than ourselves. For Christians, prayer is how we bring the realities of everyday life before God; our highlights and frustrations, our worries, doubts and hopes. We believe that in doing so, we make room for God’s peace and grace to shape how we see the world and how we respond to the people around us. 

How do I pray? 

That’s entirely up to you. Different cultures, traditions and faiths approach prayer in different ways. There is no single “right” way, but there may be a way that feels right for you.  At its simplest, prayer is setting aside time to speak with God and to listen; it’s a conversation. That might mean using a familiar written prayer, closing your eyes to shut out distractions, or switching off your podcast while walking the dog and taking a few moments to reflect and talk with God. 

As someone with ADHD, I find the idea of sitting still and focusing on one thing for a long stretch close to impossible. So, my prayer life tends to happen in short bursts of around three to five minutes, scattered through the day. I use these moments to talk through particular situations, questions or concerns, out loud or in my head, and to ask God to help shape how I see them and how I respond. 

Conversations with others, reading the Bible, and asking myself, “What would Jesus do here?” also become part of that ongoing conversation with God.  I find these practices incredibly valuable. They often broaden my understanding, challenge my assumptions and encourage me to do something constructive with what I’ve been reflecting on. 

That’s what works for me. Yours might look completely different. 

What could we pray for? 

Great question, Here are some of the things I’ve been praying for over the past few months: 

• Our EBA negotiations: For wisdom, collaboration and humility for everyone involved, and that our shared commitment to respect, excellence, community and learning will guide conversations, even where there are differences of opinion. 

• Our staff: For everyone navigating the complexities of industrial action, and for the wellbeing of all staff. That we would continue to treat one another with respect, compassion and understanding, and to value each staff member as an important part of our community, especially when we disagree. 

• Our students: Particularly those sitting exams, and those finding the changes and uncertainty in their routines difficult. That they would feel supported, encouraged and cared for by the adults around them. 

• Our wider community: For individuals and families facing extra pressure, uncertainty or difficulty at this time. That we would notice one another’s needs and be willing to offer support where we can. 

• Ourselves: For patience, perspective and the wisdom to see where we can make a positive difference. That we would be willing to listen, reflect and respond with kindness, even when circumstances are hard.
   

And, of course, anything else you feel moved to pray about. Your prayers are just as valuable as mine.  One thing I’ve come to appreciate is that the answers to prayer don’t always look the way we expect. Sometimes circumstances change, sometimes new opportunities emerge, and sometimes it’s our own attitudes, perspectives and actions that are transformed. 

Would you like to pray together? 

Prayer doesn’t have to be something we do alone. There is something powerful about a community united in prayer. 

If you’d be interested in praying together as a College community, please email me at peter.landry@overnewton.vic.edu.au. If there’s enough interest, I’d be very happy to arrange some opportunities to do so. 

Whatever your experience of prayer, you are welcome.