Grace and Peace to you!
We give thanks that schools are open for in person learning and that the presence of God accompanies all of us on this school year journey! We share this prayer for the new school year offered from the perspective of a student. This prayer comes from a resource packet received from “Illustrated Ministries”.
God of fresh starts and new beginnings,
we bring ourselves, our big feelings, and our backpacks to you.
Last year was different from what we expected.
We couldn’t see our friends or play on playgrounds,
we learned at home, in masks six feet apart, or both.
In all these changes, we may have felt sad and alone.
God, our friend who comforts us, hold us close and wipe our tears.
In our backpacks, we carry blank pages, sharpened pencils, and pointy crayons,
and in our hearts, we carry big feelings, unanswered questions, and hopeful expectations.
There are endless possibilities of what this New Year might bring—
of what we might learn, who we might meet, and who we might become.
God, our friend who is always with us, be with us through it all.
Be with us as we ride the bus.
Be with us as we walk.
Be with us as we buckle seat belts, zip-up jackets, and tie shoes.
However we get there, and whatever we wear,
bless this journey into a new school year.
For the grown-ups going back to school,
God, be with them too.
Thank you for our teachers, helpers, caregivers, and leaders,
and for all they do to help us learn and grow.
God, our friend who’s full of wonder, fill their hearts and bless their hands.
Amen.