Please join us in praying over the students, teachers, school administrators, and families of San Francisco during this week leading up to the start of school.

Sunday, August 16th:

Jesus, our Savior, you love children and remind us that to see and enter your kingdom, we must all become like children. We pray for the children of our church and our city as they begin a new school year. Help everyone — teachers, parents, administrators, politicians — to honor these children as you command and work for their flourishing. Calm anxious children; meet curious and excited children with the opportunities they are hungry for; come alongside struggling children; and bless this school year in ways that we can't yet see or expect."

Saturday, August 15th:

Jesus, you have promised that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. We pray for families feeling overwhelmed by heavy burdens and schedules that are unmanageable. Be with parents who must work long hours alongside children learning at home. Provide moments of rest and connection; give us all extra doses of grace and patience with one another; and make it possible for everyone's essential and important work to be done. 

Friday, August 14th:

Holy Spirit, we ask you today to move through and bless all of the unconventional spaces where learning will happen this fall: spare bedrooms, corners of kitchens, living room sofas, dining room tables. Clear away distractions; give families wisdom as they craft new rhythms; help our children find ways to delight in learning and discovery in these spaces.

Thursday, August 13th:

Lord of all, you are the God who sees. We lift before you today all of the unseen children in our city: children who are homeless or in shelters; children who are sheltering in unsafe or abusive situations; children who have to take on care for other children in their home; children for whom the school building was a respite and a place of nourishment away from home. Protect them specially during this season, provide for their needs, and help us to see and love all of the children in our city. 

Wednesday, August 12th:

God, you have made each of us unique — with our own challenges, differences, blessings, and gifts. We pray today for children with learning differences of all sorts, especially who need additional educational support and those with Individualized Education Programs that have been carefully worked out in very different conditions. Loving God, surround them with the support they need to grow, learn, and flourish in this time of remote learning. Remind them that you have created them and love them, and help them not be left behind. 

Tuesday, August 11th:

Jesus, our teacher, be near the teachers in our city and area today as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Bless them with creativity, stamina, wisdom, and grace as they build classroom community and teach students from a distance. Help them feel seen, appreciated, and empowered as they serve the students in their classes this year. 

Monday, August 10th:

God of all learning, who blesses us with minds to explore and understand your creation, we pray for the schools of San Francisco and for all who teach, administer, and support our city's students. Grant wisdom and discernment to administrators trying to set up a remote school year; patience and endurance to teachers who have to practice their craft in new and creative ways; unity of purpose to PTA and family associations doing all they can to support their school communities while distanced; and comfort, courage, and grace for all who are anxious about what this school year will bring.