Backpack Blessings
Post Author: Julie Jensen
This will be the third year we do a backpack prayer at our church. We announce for several weeks before that all children are invited to bring their backpacks with them to church on the Sunday before school starts (here that is usually the last Sunday in July!!). During the time for children, we invite them all to come forward, and we talk a little bit about going back to school, and what is exciting, and what is scary, and what is fun. Then each child gets a postcard sized card with a clip-art of a backpack on it for them to color and a prayer. The back is left blank for them to write their own prayer when they get home. The card can then be tucked into the child’s backpack as a reminder all year that they are prayed for while they are at school. We have a large number of teachers in our congregation, so this year, we will be making a card for them as well, with a different prayer.
The prayer for the children that is printed on the card is:
Loving God, be with me today when I go to school. Sometimes it is scary, and sometimes it is hard. Sometimes it is exciting, and sometimes it is fun. I know that no matter what happens today, you are with me. Help me to learn from my teachers every day. You gave us the gift of learning. Help me to remember to show my thanks to you by doing my best everyday. Amen.
For Teachers:
Oh God, you have called me to teach your children in this community. Be with me today when I go to school. Help me do my best to be patient and kind, no matter what this day brings. Give me courage and strength when they are needed, and a spirit of fun and energy. May the minutia of administration and paperwork not be draining. Help me use the gifts you have given me to nurture and shape the children in my care. Amen.
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