A Back to School Prayer

Published August 25, 2019 by SMBC

By Dolores Rader, Adapted from a prayer by Carrie Harris, 2017

The calendar says what our hearts feel - it is time for new.
God of peace, settle our nerves and calm us in new classrooms and new cities.
God of joy, stir us to laugh and play with new friends and old alike.
God of love, help us love ourselves and our neighbor as you love us.
God of hope, fill us with trust that you dwell in us in the hallways, on the playground, and at home.

In these moments of silence, please hear the from each of us the thing we most need at this time...

All Knowing God, we pray: ?For students, whose hungry minds will ingest knowledge, friendship, and belonging.?For students, whose hungry bellies might detract from their daily presence.

Father, we pray:? For parents, whose courage empowers their children to flourish as individuals.?For parents, whose worries mount in the moments they are separated from their children.

Our Great Teacher, we pray: ?For teachers, whose love and acceptance will urge children onward in their studies.?For teachers, whose circumstances at work or at home prevent their full care.

Great Provider, we pray:? For staff, whose efforts to feed, clean, or fix enable a school's function.?For staff, whose labors go unnoticed and underappreciated.

Our Source of Order, we pray: ?For administrators, whose discernment protects those entrusted to their care.?For administrators, whose leadership creates joy and abundance.

As we journey into the new school year, Great God of Wisdom, we celebrate the blessing bestowed upon us through education. Transform us this year as we study or work into who you designed us to be. Renew our dedication to growing in knowledge of You following you in all that we do.

Amen.