Create Anew, A Prayer for the School Year

*updated with a graphic for 2021-2022

Father,

Create this year anew. I can’t see what the future holds, but I know we need You now, tomorrow, and every day. Will my children return to the classroom? Will I do enough for them at home? Can I homeschool successfully? I have so many questions and doubts. I know we need to be created anew. Take our lukewarm, scared, and hard hearts & make them blazing hearts of flesh, hearts full of love and courage.

Renew our minds.

Plant, nurture, and grow Your holy truth and wisdom in our minds. Let our lives be guided by the Holy Spirit. Open our eyes to the truth, to justice, to beauty, to all that is honorable, pure, and lovely (see Philippians 4:8-9). Consecrate us in the truth, as Jesus prayed for us. Your Word is truth, Father. (see John 17:17)

Strengthen our courage.

At the start of each day, let us seek You in prayer. Enlarge our hearts with the love of Jesus. Draw us to His Merciful Sacred Heart. We wait for You in hope. (see Psalm 31:25 NAB, Psalm 27:14)

Show us Your way.

Hear me when I call. Give me wisdom to encourage and guide my children, to love my spouse well, to live my current vocation to the fullest this day. Show me Your way, Father. (see Psalm 27:7,11 NAB)

Sanctify us.

You call us to be holy as You are holy (1 Peter 1:16). We are made in Your image and likeness. Renew our belief that we are who You say we are, and grant us the grace to live for You each day. May our days glorify You. Let Christ be magnified in our work and play (see Philippians 1:20).

Make up the difference.

Father, keep Your promise to me. I’m counting on You. I need Your grace and mercy today, and I’ll need it again tomorrow. Help me to make the most of today. Make up for where I’m lacking, Father. When we’re weary, grant us laughter. When we’re frustrated, give us patience. When we’re joyful, let us be grateful. When we’re lonely, show us a sign of Your presence and give us time with friends.

Thank you.

Thank You for hearing me, Father. Thank You for Your daily grace (and my cuppa coffee, I’ll be honest). With You, we’ll be Ok this year. We’ll be made new.