Today’s passage is taken from John 17, verses 22 and 23. It reads, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
The Prayer Covenant is being used to unify the children and teachers of once-divided Christian schools in Whatcom County, Washington. In 1991, two schools were born out of one as a result of a split. Today, leaders of both schools are seeking opportunities to reunite, so that God would be glorified through the unity of Christian educators in the county.
As a step toward this purpose, the Children’s Prayer Covenant was introduced in both schools, as children were taught and encouraged to pray expectantly.
“Personal testimonies, big and ‘small,’ abounded,” said Nate Beede, Vice Principal of Bellingham Christian School. “Students bear witness of increased desire to study the Bible, peace and trust in difficult times, and a desire for the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. I see these as evidences of God hearing and responding to our prayers.”
For the 2018-2019 school year, the schools merged their middle schools; and in 2019 – 2020, they fully merged into one PreK – 8 program at Bellingham Christian School.
In the spring of 2019, students in third, fourth and fifth grades gathered to worship and seek the Lord together. They prayed the Prayer Covenant with one voice and one purpose. “It was introduced as a guiding prayer as we moved forward in reunification. The Spirit’s presence was powerful that day,” said Nate. It continued to be taught and prayed in the spring of 2020 as part of the 5th and 6th grade curriculum.
We are encouraged by our friends in Bellingham, and ask that you join us in praying for continued unity, love and encouragement among the saints, all for the glory of our good and faithful Father.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the spirit of prayer that envelopes Whatcom County. We thank you for the power and presence of your Holy Spirit that is uniting the faculty, parents and students of Bellingham Christian School. We thank you for the ministry of the Prayer Covenant and the fruit it is bearing in the lives of these children. We ask that they will continue to grow in the knowledge of who you are. Help each student to abound in every good work and word. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! —Psalm 133:1
