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 .

<!--

-----------