“And Jesus took the children (and the teachers, school administrators, school staff, cooks, bus drivers, janitors, parents, grandparents) in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:16)
Wherever you find yourself this back to school season – at the computer, in a classroom, at home, wearing a mask, keeping distance, gathered in small groups, disinfecting every surface, learning with parents – this prayer is for you.
Bless the school year ahead –
fill it with compassion for those making difficult decisions,
comfort to parents wondering how to manage home, work, and school,
and strength to teachers navigating new ways of learning.
Bless the school year ahead –
reminding us to see our neighbors as ourselves
and Christ in all that we meet.
Bless the school year ahead –
remembering that God always goes before us
and claims us as beloved children of God.
Bless the school year ahead –
trusting your grace in our lives
and hope for what is to come.
Be with us this year.
grant us your wisdom, Lord,
that we continue to seek it,
and look for signs of your love all around us.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website, follow her work on Facebook, or sign up for her monthly newsletter.