For those working in Education
Religion plays major role in economic growth, new research finds
Religion has had a far greater influence on economic development than many economists have recognised, according to a new study examining why some nations prosper while others struggle. (Published by RFBerlin in May and based on a review by economists Professor Sascha Becker of the University of Warwick, Professor Jared Rubin of Chapman University and Professor Ludger Woessmann of the University of Munich.)
The influence of postmodern thought has left its mark on twenty-first-century education, introducing concepts such as pluralism, sexual confusion, and marriage between any two people, and seeks to embed gender theory into school curriculum, regardless of the sexual identity of children. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Education Policy Outlook provides a concise analysis of the current Australian education system, compared to international education systems, including ongoing policy and reform efforts.
- The ongoing issues with teacher shortages, equity issues, and a significant problem with bullying in Australian schools – reportedly three times the global average. On 20 February 2026, Education Ministers agreed to the Implementation Plan for the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review. The Implementation Plan includes commitments for all education sectors and schools to embed and reflect the expectations of the National Framework for Addressing Bullying in Schools in their policies and procedures by Term 1 2027, and for schools to make these policies publicly available. The Australian Government is providing $77.6 million to states and territories and non-government school sectors to help schools invest in expert-developed, high-quality, evidence-based and age-appropriate consent and respectful relationships education tailored to their communities. Please pray for transparency in these. Pray against bullying and intimidation in our schools.
- Truth and freedom of speech have been compromised in some universities, colleges and schools. Christian schools are being challenged when they hold to biblical truths. Prayer is urgently required to promote a safe and effective environment for educators and students alike. Also that all students have access to necessary digital tools. An effective control on the use of AI in the education system is needed.
- Give thanks for those schools which are effective and safe environments for education, especially in those deemed to be difficult areas.
- Pray that schools are wise stewards of their own budgets; that school boards actively support and motivate school workers; and Head teachers receive appropriate training to manage budgets and deal with all stakeholders so that they are able to support and encourage all staff and direct morally sound instruction.
- Pray for all Christian schools that they would operate in fear of God not man, & teach & adhere to Genesis 5:2, Matthew 19:4 & Genesis 2:22-24. Pray that there would be unity between them. Ps 133:1.
- Pray for the heterosexual marriages in all schools, especially Christian schools.
- Please pray that children are taught that all human lives are valuable and to respect all people, and that this respect is modelled in the school and in the family home - indeed right across the country. Pray for our students' mental health. Our children are growing up in a world of insecurity. Pray against fear and anxiety in our children and cast out that demonic spirit of insecurity
- The National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP) is an Australian Government-funded program to support the emotional wellbeing of students and the broader school community through the provision of pastoral care services in government, Catholic and Independent schools and replaces the chaplaincy programme. The government has committed funding for the NSWP for the 2023 to 2027 school years. Pray that Christian chaplains are welcomed by schools into their staffing. More than 3000 schools across Australia choose to engage a school chaplain as a part of their student wellbeing team.
- Pray God will bring into position student leaders within student bodies in schools and universities, who are like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego — filled with wisdom and understanding because they know their God and understand the principles of His kingdom so they are not led astray by ungodly philosophies and teachings that are contrary to the truth of the Word of God. (Daniel 1:3-6)
- Pray that Christian parents, especially, would teach their children from an early age that marriage is a covenant relationship, where they choose to 'love' & respect their spouse and that they demonstrate the importance of nurturing their marriage if married.
- Pray that parents would take responsibility and be active “teachers” in their children’s lives; training their children in the way they should go, so that when they are old they will not depart from it. Pray that honour and respect underpin their relationship with their spouse, demonstrating commitment to their marriage. (Proverbs 22:6)
- Pray that fathers will be involved in their children’s lives in a positive way and not anger their children, but raise them properly, teaching them and instructing them about the Lord. Pray that their role as father would be honoured and understood and that they would be effective, Godly role models for their children. (Ephesians 6:4) Pray for those children who lack a father that a righteous father figure stands in the gap for them.
- Ask the Lord to raise up a new generation of dedicated married and single educators who will commit themselves not only to an honest, accurate presentation of all subject matter, but who will also serve as positive role models to their students by not living in fear of the world, but in fear of the Lord.
- Pray for wisdom and discernment to reign in the hearts of both parents and teachers to safeguard the hearts and minds of our children so that there are no feelings of inadequacy, fear, or uncertainty. Please pray that they would not endorse the Royal Australasian College of Physicians' advise on care and treatment for children and adolescents with gender dysphoria which may include the use of puberty blockers and cross sex hormones. Pray that the findings of the UK report by the British paediatrician Hilary Cass would be more strongly considered before any treatment is considered, especially with regard to any removal of girls' body parts and the use of irreversible gender affirming medical interventions. Peak bodies like the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and organisations like Transcend Australia have strongly cautioned against applying the Cass Review to the Australian context, emphasizing that withholding care is unethical.
- Pray that our universities, agricultural and TAFE colleges are places where ideas are explored and open, respectful opinions can be aired safely by both staff and students. Pray that our colleges and universities might become centres for revival rather than for the tearing down of the Christian faith. Pray that Christian professors and students will stand strong for their faith and be positive role models.
- Pray for all who teach in schools. School reports, managing social issues and other non-active teaching requirements take time out of busy schedules full of extra curricula leaving less time to teach maths, science and reading skills. Please pray that the workload of teachers does not have a detrimental affect on their own family life. Teachers at Australian schools have reported an increase in students making “nonchalant sexually charged” comments and accusations towards teachers and students - these reports include students making sexually explicit comments towards teachers, accusing them of being paedophiles and sharing pornographic memes of them online. Researchers from Monash University interviewed a limited sample of female teachers. Their study was published 2024 in the journal Gender and Education, found "widespread experience of sexual harassment, sexism, and misogyny perpetrated by boys towards women teachers.
- Declare that professors, teachers, staff, volunteers, and all who come into contact with students, whether married or not, will positively influence and encourage students in ways leading to righteous living. (Proverbs 1:5)
Paula J. Fox’s book 'The Heart of a Teacher', she says to her fellow teachers: “A child’s heart is fragile…don’t break it. A child’s mind is open…don’t close it. A child’s soul is tender…don’t harden it. A child’s spirit is joyful…don’t crush it.”
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Phil 4:6 KJV
