Everlasting God, you were the same yesterday, you are the same today, and you will be the same tomorrow. Yet, even as you remain unchanged, you walk with us as we grow, learn and discover more of your creation each day.
We pray for your blessing as we enter a new school year — some of us with excitement, some with hesitation, driving and flying to schools near and far.
Steady the hearts of first-year and transfer students. Hold them in your care as they seek belonging, form friendships and settle into new routines, holding freedom and homesickness in tension.
Prince of Peace, calm our minds amid the fears and excitement: first-day jitters, moving into dorm rooms, new faces and unfamiliar places.
We pray for students studying abroad. May they explore your creation, learn from cultures different from their own and encounter you in unexpected places.
We pray for those who are graduating soon. Ease their fears about what comes next. Allow them to soak up these final moments and give them courage to step into the future with faith.
Equip our hearts to build new friendships and navigate complicated relationships. Help us find balance between work and play. Lead us to rest in you when we feel burned out, and help us keep our eyes on you, finding our identity as children of God rather than measuring our worth by grades, athletic performance or appearance.
We pray for our professors. Give them patience for long days and wisdom in difficult circumstances. Protect their hearts from burnout, and surround them with grace and support. May they find joy, rest and fulfillment in their demanding and beautiful work.
Jesus, you gathered students around you, teaching them with wisdom and love. We seek you as our friend and teacher. May we find joy in hard work, lean on you through hardship and make time to celebrate the small victories along the way.
Lord, walk with us as we enter a new academic season. Through all that this year will bring,
help us trust that you are with us.
We entrust this school year to you.
Amen.
