Blessing the New School Year
On Sunday, September 19, All Saints’ Church (Woodbridge, VA) invited students to bring their backpacks to Sunday services for a special blessing. Students and teachers were also invited to the altar to receive prayer for the new school year. Enjoy the photos below!
Pray with us
Eternal God, father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our great teacher and savior, bless these your servants as they begin the school-year. Your Son was once himself a child learning and teaching in the temple. Grant that all who enter into places of learning as students and educators this year be filled with your grace and heavenly wisdom—that all their efforts be directed by your Holy Spirit, and work to your praise and glory.
Go before them, hem them in from behind, be at their side whispering your love in moments of frustration, disappointment, and sadness. May they feel your smile shine down upon them in moments of laughter, wonder, and delight. May you hold them graciously as a refuge in moments of doubt, rejection and fear. Above all may they know you as ever present, God With Us through all the changes and chances of this life. We ask for your gracious favor on this school year for these your children. Amen.
Prayer for Instruments of Teaching and Learning
Almighty God, we bring before you these instruments of teaching and of learning. We pray that your Holy Spirit of wisdom go forth with all who carry them this year: that all bearers of briefcases and of backpacks will rest secure in the knowledge of your abiding strength, peace and love. May those that bear these burdens, like the young Jesus, grow in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and with society. Amen.
