Back-to-School Blessing

Dear friends of Good Shepherd,

 We'd like to share this Back-to-School Blessing with you. Pastor Johann will include a similar blessing at our outdoor worship services on September 12. He will also provide personal blessings for each car with students in them during communion dismissal.

Bless my paper and my pen.
Guide my spirit deep within.
Help me think and help me play,
This whole school year, day by day.

As I move from class to class,
Guide my footsteps; clear my path.
Keep my tongue to speak your words.
Let your will for me be heard.

In every subject high or low,
May God's greatness come to show!
Keep me strong to reach the prize,
To grow in grace, becoming wise.

Whether far from home or near,
May I hold God's teachings dear.
To do my best at every task;
For this blessing, I do ask.

Help my family be a part,
As I lift my mind and heart.
As I study, work, and pray,
Be with them through the day.

Of whom much is given, much is required.
May learning be what is greatly desired! Amen.

adapted from a blessing by Marilyn E. Thornton