Almighty God, Guardian of Our Souls,
on wings of mercy you have borne us up
through the changes and chances of our lives,
in joy and in struggle,
and we offer your our abundant gratitude
for your blessings without end.
Strengthen our steps
in pursuit of your justice and peace;
give us courage to confront oppression at all times,
standing in unity with those
whose dignity and worth is denigrated.
Teach us to answer hatred with love,
ignorance with charity and instruction,
proclaiming the resilience of faith
against all resistance and hopelessness.
Kindle within our hearts a desire for wisdom,
and anoint us with a spirit of determination and love.
In Jesus's name, grant your grace
to all who seek You,
and pour your benediction
upon those for whom we pray.
Amen.
Information of Deaconness Anna Alexander here and here.
Holy One,
Source of All Wisdom,
guard and protect us as we begin a new year.
Give us a thirst for knowledge,
and the will to use it for good,
and for the good of our communities.
We give you thanks, O Lord, for schools:
for the teachers and staff who guide and care for students,
who feed them and tend to their minds and their spirits,
who encourage them to curiosity and deeper understanding,
and inspire them to the fulfillment of their dreams.
May we honor and support them
in our prayers and in our actions at all times.
We give you thanks for students, O God:
may we see each one as beloved and precious;
may we care for them as our own;
may we help them believe in themselves.
May we inspire within them
self-discipline,
compassion, integrity,
service,
initiative, creativity, and responsibility.
May we help them have
the willingness to begin
the courage to evaluate and learn from error,
and the strength to persevere in adversity.
God of Mercy and Truth,
envelop us in your grace,
strengthen us in hope and faith,
and pour out your blessing and peace
upon all for whom we pray.
Amen.
