Over the next few weeks, many parents and students will be preparing for a new school year; and in many Churches prayers for both them and their teachers will be said for them as they begin this work. It is truly a blessing that we can send our little ones (and not so little ones) on their way having commended them to the Lord for protection, preservation, and comprehension, as they learn and grow at school.

This “blessing” has the effect, that beyond what is offered in prayer for our children, students and teachers, that reminds us, that we have “one teacher”, the Lord (Mt. 23:8) illuminating our hearts with His saving love; for “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Prov. 1:7)

Regardless of whether we are students or not, we are all called to grow “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). Regardless of whether we are students or not, we are all called to learn from the Lord, and understand that He is  “gentle and lowly in heart” and in Him we “will find rest for (our) souls” (Mt. 11:29).  

These prayers for our students should help us recognise that no matter how wise or educated we might be, it is only with an open heart and mind, that we can understand the Lord’s perfect will – that we love one another, even as He has loved us” (Jn. 13:24). As we pray these words, may we all be inspired to grow and learn, in the same way as our children (and students) will do, as they head back to school. May the Lord bless!

“O Lord, our God and Creator, You have  honored us man with Your own image, and did teach Your chosen disciples that the fear of You is the beginning of true wisdom; You have  revealed Your wisdom to children and did teach Your law to Solomon and to all those who have sought You in purity of heart.  Open the hearts, the minds, and the lips of these students, that they may perceive the power of Your  law, and successfully comprehend the useful things which will be taught to them, so that they will understand Your perfect will and contribute to the building up of Your Holy Church. 

Deliver them from every snare of the enemy, preserve them in the true faith and in righteousness and purity all the days of their lives, that they may grow in wisdom and in the observance of Your commandments, and may be revealed as worshipers of Your Name and heirs of Your Kingdom. 

Bless also their teachers, O Lord; grant that their words may be free from every worldly deceit and vanity, and may always clearly proclaim the word of Your truth. For You are God, the Author of truth and the Fountain of wisdom, and unto You we ascribe glory:  to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.”