Reflection for August 17

For the Beginning of a New School Year

Holy God, as we begin a new school year, we ask you to: Give us your wisdom as we make decisions for our future; Give us your compassion in our relationships with family and friends; Give us your safety when we feel vulnerable or hurt; Give us your courage when anxieties and insecurities take control; Give us your grace in all that we do.

O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges and universities, that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery and the pursuit of wisdom; grant that those who teach and those who learn my find you to be the source of all truth. Amen (Adapted from The Book of Common Prayer, A New Zealand Prayer Book and Call on Me by EYC Arkansas).