Prayer at the Beginning of a New School Year
Here is a brief and simple prayer service that you can pray in your own classroom. This is excerpted from a new resource called Prayer Services for Parishes and Schools by Michael Cymbala (Liturgy Training Publications, 2013).
Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Leader: We begin our new year with hope in our hearts. Praying together in silence, let us ask the Lord to guide our endeavours.
[Moment of silent prayer]
Reading (Suggestions: Deuteronomy 11.8-12, Philippians 1.3-11, Matthew 4:18-20)
Leader: With the spirit of hope, let us bring our petitions before God, either aloud or in our hearts
[A period of shared prayer follows]
Leader: Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we do not choose you, rather, you choose us. You guide us through life's challenges, providing strength and unlimited blessings. Like travelers who enter a new city filled with hope and intrigue, direct us in this new year so that our work will be pleasing to you. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Leader: May the Lord bless and protect us all the days of our lives.
All: Amen.
A Teacher's Prayer
We can't forget about teachers - they need our prayers too! The following is a prayer written by Kathy Motyka as part of the prayer collection Lead, Kindly Light: The Notre Dame Book of Prayers (University of Notre Dame, 2005).
God of wisdom and understanding,
help me to be a holy and sincere educator in the faith.
I ask that you inspire me to love my students,
meeting them where they are and always seeking to understand.
Be with me inside and outside of the classroom,
as I help my students to face the challenges and graces of growing up.
Grant me patience, courage, and enthusiasm, as I teach through my words and actions.
I thank you for granting me the privilege to influence young minds and hearts.
I ask all of these things, through Christ, our greatest teacher.
Amen.
For Reflection
In the midst of our busy lives, especially at the beginning of the school year, it can be a real challenge to make time for silence, to listen to God has to say and to simply be in His presence.
Liturgical composer Sarah Kroger wrote a beautiful reflective song, called "In the Silence," that speaks of inviting God to speak to us in the silence of our hearts.
Finally, I want to share with you a touching little video reminding us that, to paraphrase St. Teresa of Calcutta, if we can do "small things with great love," we can make the world a more beautiful place to live in.
May your year be one filled with grace and blessings and may your classroom be one of welcome and compassion in Christ's name.
In communion,
Janet Loo
Campus Minister/Director of Chamber Choir
King's University College
[email protected]
