August 19, 2020

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A
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Please continue reading the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis.  We will reflect more on that story tomorrow.

For many, today marks the beginning of a new school year.  Mixed in with the excitement of learning, discovery, social engagements, and good work is the worry around COVID-19.  Please pray for students, faculty, staff, administrators, families, and communities as they navigate these unchartered waters.  Whether in the school building or at home, may each student be blessed in their education.  Pray Psalm 130.

A Back-to-School Litany
Read Luke 2:41-52
One: As we begin this new school year, we give thanks that God has given us the ability to learn many things in many ways.
All: We learn in school, but we also learn in church, in our family, in our homes, online, in our community, and in the world.
All: Learning is a gift from God.
One: The Bible tells us that Jesus learned and studied, just as we do.
All: And Jesus grew in wisdom.
One: We ask God's blessing on this new school year, that it may be a time when we appreciate and fully use God's gift of learning.  We ask God to guide us to learn safely and to protect all who are vulnerable from the Covid-19 virus.
All: We ask God to bless our schools and teachers.
One: We ask God to bless our classmates and friends.
All: We ask God to bless our principals, counselors, and librarians.
One: We ask God to bless those who prepare our lunches, those who drive us to school, and those who keep our schools clean and safe.
All: We give thanks to God for books and computers and all the things that help us learn.
One: We give thanks to God for the gift of learning!
Prayer: Loving God, sometimes a new school year seems exciting or scary or both. Sometimes school is great, and sometimes it is hard. But we know that whether we are excited or scared, you are with us. We know that whether school is great or hard, you are with us. We thank you for always being with us. Watch over everyone who is part of the school.  Help them to wear a mask, stay socially distant from one another, wash their hands, and look out for one another.  Their work makes the world better.  Please, protect them all.  Help us to remember to show our thanks for your gift of learning by doing our best every day. Amen.