Prayers As Students Return To Classes and Workers To Workplaces

 We’ve reached the mid point of August.  Many families have returned from vacation and are gearing up for the season ahead.  Stores are full of shelves with back to school clothing and supplies.  I think I read somewhere that after Christmas, this is the season of year where the most money is spent.

In the middle of all of this we pause again to day to pray and bring all that we are today, all that is being planned and prepared for, and all that we don’t know to our Loving God, who knows all and cares deeply, and who stand ready to act on our behalf, if we will only ask.

Pursue the Lord and his strength; seek his face always! — 1 Chronicles 16:11

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Philippians 4:6

Father, Creator of all, thank You for summer with all the beauty we see around us and the opportunities we’ve had to be outside and enjoy Your creations.  Thank You for the increased times we’ve had to be with friends and family and for the more casual pace of the summer season.  As the days of the season draw down, would you draw us closer to You.  Teach me how we can pray no matter where we are or what we are doing.  Warm my souls with the awareness of Your presence and light our paths with Your Word and Counsel.  Amen

Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We want to pray for children and young people as they prepare to return to school.  We ask You to give them joy in new experiences.  As they move to new classes - give them confidence in growing friendships If they are moving to new schools - give them strength in their growing independence.  We continue to ask for physical protection from all forms of the covid-19 virus for staff and students so this can be a healthy year of fun and learning.

For those who are further along and moving into post secondary education in college or university, we pray that You would give them wisdom.  For everyone involved in education we ask for your blessing, your joy, your wisdom and your patience as they return to classrooms after re-charging their batteries over the summer break.  Amen

If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. Matthew 7:11

We also pray for our families and our times in our homes.  May we make our homes places of relaxation, joy, love, peace and safety. May we be generous and considerate, not thinking only about ourselves, but helping others enjoy the blessings of each day.  May we work hard to support and enjoy one another and to encourage each other in the pursuit of those things that we’re each involved in.  May we constantly strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our loved ones and in the world around us.

I pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see what is the hope of God’s call, what is the richness of God’s glorious inheritance among believers. Ephesians 1:18

We continue to pray these days for workers returning to work places after what's been for some, extended times away.  May each of those who are Your followers bring your presence with them.  use them to speak Your peace and grace and mercy over the work place.  We pray tht Your power will be acknowledged over al that is spoken, thought, decided and done as offices fill in with staff.  Give workers a fresh supply of strength to do their job.  Bless good projects and ideas and give energy to accomplish plans put in place.  May all that they do and the way they do it bring faith, joy, and a smile each day.  Amen

And so Lord, these are simple prayers, but they come from our hearts and we trust that as we offer them to You that the truth of Your word will settle our hearts:

Therefore I say to you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you will receive it, and it will be so for you.  Mark 11:24