September has always felt like a new beginning to me. A new school year brings to mind words like, “fresh start”, “new chapter”, “new horizons”, “high expectations”, “exciting”, and “hope filled”. I know that not everybody shares my enthusiasm in regards to a new school year and perhaps this year, more than ever, I get it. The excitement is shrouded with uncertainty and concern for our children and their teachers.

So…. Let’s pray!

Holy God,

Thank you for the resilience and determination of our students, teachers, school staff, parents and administrators demonstrated and developed over the past year. We begin this new school year in prayer because we are anxious for our students to resume school in person, yet still be safe from COVID-19.

We pray for a better year; for a safe return to classrooms; for the health of students, teachers and school staff; for school boards and administrators under pressure to make difficult decisions; and for parents exhausted by the uncertainty and constantly changing plans.

Help us, Holy God, to bear with one another in love as we face the new challenges this year will inevitably bring. We pray that our teachers banked enough summer renewal to face any new disruptions. We ask that the hard lessons students learned since the start of this pandemic will give them the confidence and courage to face whatever lies ahead. With confidence in Your ability to do more than we ask or imagine, we pray that faith will deter fear and hope will bring new life.

Bless us, Holy God, in our efforts to protect and care for students so they can focus on their healthy development and their studies. Lead us all to health and healing.

In Jesus name we pray,

Amen.