By JUSTIN KOLLMEYER
Pastor

School Prayers

Here we go again!

Yes, it's “Back-to-School.”

It's definitely one of the great events in life. New teachers. New classes. New books, notebooks, pens and pencils. New clothes and shoes. New starts. Fresh starts. This is even where the old saying comes from: “Its a clean slate.”

And for all of you engaged in this wonderful reoccurance, please know that our prayers are with you as you begin a new school year. In fact, “let us pray” for you right now. (I shared these prayers last year at this time and had several requests to repeat them again this year, so they may sound familiar.)

For Our Preschoolers

Dear Heavenly Father, look after these dear little ones who step out into our world in this new and special way. Give them the love of learning and the joy of playing together. Amen

For Our Kindergarteners

Dear Heavenly Father, place your protective hand upon these little ones who enter for the first time the daily and day-long joys and rigors of education. Bless them with the knowledge of your constant presence with them. Amen

For Our Elementary Schoolers

Dear Heavenly Father, these children are so eager to learn. Bless them as they continue their life-long skills in reading, language arts, math, social studies, music, PE, art, and all their subjects. Let them grow in wisdom and understanding. Amen

For Our Middle Schoolers

Dear Heavenly Father, these young people are in such important times of their lives. Be with them throughout their days in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade. Help them to make the right choices in a difficult world. Let them enjoy the days of their youth as they move into the knowledge of a sophisticated world. Amen

For Our High Schoolers

Dear Heavenly Father, protect and defend these precious young people. Let their days in high school be ones of fond memories and great advances in learning. Give them wisdom to know your ways even when others may be pressuring them to ignore You. Keep them safe in cars, in sports, in all extra curricular activities, and in all they do. Amen

For Our College Students

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray especially for all freshmen who open such a big new chapter in their lives right now. Fill them with your power to accomplish their task of gaining education and growing into full adulthood. Bless all college students. Let them all use the academic ability which You have given them to their fullest potential. Let them be faithful in studying and give them special wisdom for exams and papers. Watch over them, O Lord.

For Our Graduate School Students

Dear Heavenly Father, we know that all knowledge comes from You. Bless those who seek extraordinary levels of learning and wisdom in specific fields of study. Be with those who continue to study and learn even while already working. We pray, O Lord, especially for those who are in seminary, preparing for a life's work in your church. Grant that all may seek your face and serve You faithfully. Amen

For Our Dear and Wonderful Teachers, Administrators, and Staffs

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray especially for all teachers, administrators and staff at every level of education. Let every teacher know your approval for what they are doing. Let every teacher know our appreciation for what they are giving to our children, youth, and to other adults. Give your power, O Lord, to all these teachers, administrators, and staff. They face such monumental challenges every day. Let your hand of strength and patience guide them. Let your gift of grace surround them and encourage them. Let your spirit of love pour through them. Amen

For All Our Parents

Dear Heavenly Father, every parent gives You great thanks for the gift of our children. Let us be wise as we raise them to walk in your ways. Strengthen us so that we may help our children have the best foundation in education possible. Let us always know that your strength is our strength. Help us to have patience and endurance, and help us to appreciate the sheer joy of having children. Amen

Finally

O Lord, bless these for whom we pray especially on this day and in the school-year to come. We commend the lives of them all into your loving hands. In the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen

Go in peace. Serve the Lord!

Kollmeyer is senior pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Fayetteville.

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