A Prayer Of Blessing For Students and Teachers Over Summer Break

 Schools are closing for the summer.  There have been a series of closures to in person learning and online only studying in various areas across the country.  Here in BC they’ve managed to keep schools open throughout the year.  I know a few teachers here and there have been challenges for sure, but many efforts have been made by all involved to make learning environments for children and youth safe and healthy.   

The Minister of Education has already been making announcements for what they believe things will be able to look like in September when students return to classes.  Some decisions like wearing masks are still to be determined as officials see vaccination numbers over the summer and the variants of concern in our communities.  But, it looks like that for many children things will be a bit more normal in the coming school year with extra curricular activities like sport and band and clubs returning.

Heavenly Father, we are thankful that things have improved to the point where these kinds of relaxing of restrictions can take place and schools can think about returning to more normal conditions.    We thank you for all who worked hard to make the learning environments safe for students and staff during this school year – particularly for those who worked behind the scenes in the classrooms.  Bless them as they have this summer break. Refresh them, we pray.

We pray for students and teachers going forward in ever changing education environments.  We pray for wisdom and truth in curriculum planning and instruction.  We pray for interaction to be rooted in joy and curiosity and the wonder of life that You’ve given to us rather than in fear and anxiety. 

Heavenly Father, we thank you that you teach all of us every day.  We like some of the ways and are not so fond of some of the others just like this past year has had practices that were enjoyed by some and not so much by others. But, in whatever ways are necessary, we pray that You will help us learn what we need to know today and how we need to walk with You.  We want to be wise and we want to do what’s right in Your eyes.  So, help us to pay attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit who is always there to direct us and assist us. 

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.  Proverbs 9:9

Thank you for your commitment to us to always make good words available to us so we don’t need to wander and feel helpless and lost.  You speak always with love and tenderness, even when you are telling us an inconvenient truth.  You’ll always tell us straight but there’s never a time when You’re not doing it with love in your heart and a watchful eye that wants the very best for us.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.  Psalm 32:8

We are also so grateful that Your teaching and Your instructions are consistently right for not just individuals but for nations and peoples and so we pray today that in all the things that we expose children and ourselves to in these days that we will watch carefully and weigh things up correctly and share those things that demonstrate Your good and righteous principles. 

And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:8-9

Give all of us hearts that apply the things we learn and put them into practice in every situation.  We know that You are good to Your word and as we do this we will experience a life that is great and good, better than living any other way.  Amen