Thursday: Education
Key Facts To Guide Your Prayers:
- According to the 2021 census, over 25% of the city's adult population are full-time students- the highest proportion in England and Wales
- An Ofsted report published in autumn 2023 revealed Oxfordshire county is failing to support most of its children with special educational needs and disabilities. A new head of children's services (Lisa Lyons) has been appointed by the council and starts her role this month.
- Oxfordshire ranks in the bottom quartile nationally for the proportion of disadvantaged pupils achieving at least the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined. The gap in performance between disadvantaged students and their peers is wider in Oxfordshire than the national average and widened even more between 2019-2022.
- According to the Department of Education, Oxford ranks 5th worst in the UK for shortages of teachers
Prayer Points and Scriptures To Inspire Your Prayer Time:
- Thank God for all the teachers in the city and pray for their well-being, the Lord to strengthen and empower them (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10)
- Pray for the Lord to bless the work of Lisa Lyons as she addresses the failings of the city in supporting students with special education needs and disabilities (Numbers 6:24-26)
- Pray for the Lord to encourage students who are struggling academically, pray that their teachers, lecturers and parents know how best to help them learn, and pray for protection from feelings of worthlessness and shame (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
- Pray for school curriculums to continue to glorify the Lord (Psalms 119:9)
- Pray for students struggling with bullying, that they will experience the comfort and protection of the Lord (Psalm 82:3)
- Pray against anxiety debilitating students, pray instead for power love and sound minds in our students (2 Timothy 1:7)
- Pray for Christian students that they may boldly live out their faith while continually fleeing the temptations of youth (1 Timothy 4:12, 2 Timothy 2:22)