Father in Heaven, 
Bless these backpacks and those who carry them.
May they hold all that is helpful,
Nothing that is harmful,
And most of all hold hope for this school year.

May they carry lightly the load of learning:
The books to be read and homework to be completed,
The computers, clipboards, and calculators,
And the gift of an education.

Great Teacher, 
We pray for students of every age and every stage
As they enter a new season of learning.

May they find safe space 
To pay attention and process the many emotions that arise. 
Would they come to trust no amount of knowledge will matter 
If they have not learned how to study the depths of their own emotional world.

Father in Heaven,
We pray for our neighborhood schools
And the spectrum of students
Who enter schools each day.

May our playgrounds be
Places of exploration and connection,
Where both children and parents
Learn how to be good neighbors,
And where families find nearby friends.

May our school teachers create places where:
Students feel every day that they belong,
Classes develop character, patience, and perseverance,
Memories are made of discovery and creativity,