Back-to-School Prayer

NCF Office – August 22, 2023 2 Comments

Between my own education and sixteen years as a K-8 counselor, I have spent much of my life in schools. The anticipation, excitement, and anxiety of a new school year are palpable. Nowadays, Jubal is the K-8 representative in our family; he coordinates mentors and volunteers at two elementaries and Franklin Middle School in Champaign. As he works to connect communities and schools, Jubal prays for all involved in our education system. Please add your own prayers as the school year begins. -Renée

God, we lift up our schools to you. We know that this is where magic happens, where learning and development take place, for the future of our society, cities, state, our country, and our world. We also know this can be a difficult time of transition, so we pray for a special blessing as the school year begins.

We ask for compassion and wisdom for those making decisions that affect our whole community and make a difference in the lives of children. We pray that teachers and staff will be encouraged, energized, and strengthened for their important and challenging work. We pray for safety on the roads, on the playgrounds, on the buses, and in the buildings.

We pray for families that are struggling- that schools would support and direct them to helpful resources. We pray for the college students going away to school and those coming to study at the U of I or Parkland- be near to them, and help them know that they are not alone. Keep them safe in their decisions and actions, that they may grow into loving and capable adults.

Thank you for the gift of learning and growth at each stage of life. We lift up all those involved in our schools, for your grace and blessing. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. 

Jubal Croegaert, August 2023