The first priority in Archbishop Mark’s Apostolic Priorities for the Archdiocese of Brisbane, documented in With Lamps Ablaze, is Teaching Prayer. He says, “Often we urge people to pray but don’t really teach them how to pray… Now is the time to teach ways of prayer which are mature and all-embracing. Christian prayer begins not with speaking but with listening; and learning to pray is therefore learning to listen – to listen even to the silences of God. If all we do is speak, then in the words of Jesus we “babble like the pagans” (Matt 6:7). But if we speak after listening and in response to God who always has the first word, then we speak according to the mind of the Holy Spirit. That’s what we need to teach and learn. In the Gospel of Mark, we read that Jesus called the twelve apostles to himself, first of all, “that they might be with him” (3:14). This is where the mission starts: being with Jesus, which is what prayer is.”
Join us for our new weekly series, Let’s Pray, where we invite you to pray along with us. Each week we will invite you to pray a new prayer with us – maybe you don’t know what to pray, or want to pray along with someone, or want to practice your faith through prayer. Our Let’s Pray series is for everyone.
As we step into the new school year, we invite you to pray for all those children and students who are either starting school or returning to school. We ask the Lord to keep our students in his loving care. So, let’s pray.
- Prayer for Students at the Start of a New School Year
Prayer for Students at the Start of a New School Year
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
My name is Lawrie Knott and I work for Catholic Early EdCare, part of Centacare. This month, our prayer intention is for all those children and students who are either starting school or returning to school.Please join me as we pray for them. You may like to respond by saying these words: Keep our students in your loving care Lord.
Let’s Pray.
Jesus, look after our students and keep them in your care as they head back to school. Give them insight beyond their years and in any situation they face, may they be blessed with sound judgment.
R: Keep our students in your loving care Lord.
Jesus, inspire a spirit of learning in our students and prepare them for the school year ahead. Guide them in their learning and lead them to wisdom not only in academic knowledge but also in the ways of life and love.
R: Keep our students in your loving care Lord.
Jesus, thank you that you created us to be in relationship with you and with each other. We pray that all school students will build kind friendships this school year, friendships where they support each other and share joy together.
R: Keep our students in your loving care Lord.
Jesus, we pray that all students will experience the peace of God this year that exceeds all understanding. We pray they will not worry about things they cannot control, but that You will guard their hearts and minds and keep them trusting in You.
R: Keep our students in your loving care Lord.
Jesus, give all students a thirst for knowledge, wisdom and understanding. May their hearts be ready to learn this year. Open their ears, hands and hearts to receive your gifts and help them to use these gifts for the good of all.
R: Keep our students in your loving care Lord.
We place these prayers for our students in your hands Jesus. Amen.
Thank you for praying with us. I hope to see you again soon.