A prayer for students of all ages as they begin their school year:
Gracious God,
Praise be to your great name. You are slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. You have created each of us and are worthy of our adoration and devotion. As students return to classrooms this fall, whether in parochial schools or private universities, we pray for your hand of blessing and protection over them. Guide them as they grow and learn. Our deepest desire is that they would know and mature in You. May they increasingly find their identity rooted in Christ. The pull of this world and the snares of sin are often especially dangerous in the lives of young people. Guard them from worldliness and grant them the grace to fear you above any man.
For students who have not been redeemed through Christ, we pray for the confession of their sin and the surrender of calling out to Jesus in saving faith. For those that have repented of their sin and know the hope of life in You, we pray for their perseverance, passion, and witness among their peers. Make their joy Christ above all earthly things. Grant them boldness to proclaim the glory of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their schools and give them favor as they share this good news. Make them like salt and light with a profound influence and impact for the renown of your name. Do this in the 2015-2016 academic year and for every year thereafter.
In the matchless name of Jesus, amen.
