Blessing of the backpacks

God of love, of wisdom and of grace,

We come together today to honor and celebrate our students, your children, as they prepare for another season of learning.

God bless your children and their backpacks. Bless all the teachers, staff and community members who serve those who wear these backpacks. Empower the adults in the lives of your children to make decisions that are truly in their best interest. May each child flourish and participate in the flourishing of all creation. 

God bless your children and their backpacks. In a world so often plagued by violence, hatred and fear, may those who carry these backpacks know peace, mercy and friendship. May your children feel safe enough to learn, to take healthy risks that lead to growth, and to extend compassion to others.

God bless your children and their backpacks. Be with those who use these knapsacks to carry home food to hungry families. Be with those who fear the weekend, as it means less security.

God bless your children and their backpacks. We pray for the families who surround, sustain and send your children into the world. Bless the sacrifices these families have made to stock these backpacks. Bless the communities that support these families in times of joy and hardship. May the gifts of these families and communities carry hope and fellowship into schools, offices, and your wide, wonderful world. 

God bless your children and their backpacks. Supply each child with the tools to stimulate creativity and wonder rooted in gratitude. Give your children ears to hear, O God. Let them hear the gentle song of their own heart as well as the songs in the hearts of others. Prepare your children to respond to this music with a spirit of collaboration and cooperation so that their collective harmonies might heal your world.

God bless your children and their backpacks. Grant to each rest at the end of the day and the end of the week. Free your children of anxiety and unhealthy stress; lead them to trust that they are beloved no matter their accomplishments or failings. May they know that they are enough, just as they are. 

With gratitude at the wonder of being human, of growing, of learning, of making friends, we give thanks to our creator for all God’s children and all they carry. Amen.