For my children - back to school

Merciful and everlasting God, who created and numbered all our days.  Number the days of this school year and order them in such a way to bring you glory and praise, and my children the unending joy and prosperity of your favor.

God anoint their creativity with the gift of Your wisdom and innovation.  Anoint their passion for the Word of God and Your holy and righteous will.

God anoint their arms, feet, heads, hearts, legs, and whole body to be used as missionaries and ambassadors for sharing, spreading, and living out the Good News.  Touch their bodies with the reminder that they are each holy temples, bought with the precious blood of Christ.

God send legions of angels, Your heavenly messengers and guardians, to protect them in their home, on their way to and from school, in the classroom, in the halls, and every space that their bodies occupy.

Guide us as their parents (especially me), and guide every administrator.  God energize every teacher and every supporting staff member to make this year amazing.  God in all of Your wisdom and Your Creative power, create an environment in their lives where they can thrive and prosper.

God send Your Word incarnate into their souls for a deeper relationship with You.  May they grow more in spiritual wisdom, joy and everlasting love.  Bring Your saving grace to bear and to the forefront of all their learning so that they might accept Your Son and salvation.

God protect them and shelter them from hurt harm and danger.  God minister to their every need and their greatest need.

God when they are down, when despair looms large, send them the comfort of Your presence, the everlasting joy of eternal life, the peace that passes all understanding and the hope that does not disappoint.  Guard their very lives when they are in the valley of the shadow of death.  Lift their hopes and their eyes to the "hill, which comes their help."  Cause every moment of hopelessness to give way into an ever widening and bright shining season of hope, love and belief in the power of Your love.

God help me to be the father and educator in my home, leading them in worship and study of You.  In all things may You be our lead, our guide, our protector, shield, provider and God.

To You - I pray for my children and this coming school year.  I pray this prayer for all children, all parents, all schools, and all those who may touch their lives.  Amen.