Starting a new grade can be a little scary, but the coming year is also full of possibilities. There are old friends to catch up with and new ones to make, field trips to unknown places to look forward to, and lots of exciting things to learn. The start of the school year marks the beginning of a new adventure!
What’s the best way to help you child start off on the right foot? You want them to enter school with a positive outlook, an attitude of openness, and a resilient temperament. Of course, these things are only possible when we put our life and circumstances in God’s hands.
That’s why it’s very important for you to pray with your child before they head off for their first day of classes. That can be as simple as saying an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be, for instance. Or, if you would like to pray something more specific for the occasion, here is one possible prayer. Feel free to alter it to fit your child’s particular circumstances and needs.
A student’s prayer for the new school year
Gracious God, as I head off to start a new year of school, I want to thank you for the gift of my life, for the gift of my family, and for the gift of my education.
Please help me to take my studies seriously, to listen to my teachers, and to befriend other students – especially those who don’t have friends or who are having a hard time.
Open my mind so that I can learn more about the amazing universe you have created. Purify my heart so that I can become wiser in your ways this year. Give me a cheerful spirit so that I can be a source of joy in my classroom, on the playground, in the gym, and even in the lunchroom!
When I grow frustrated because I have difficulty learning something, please give me the wisdom to ask for help from my teachers and parents. If I see another student doing something wrong, please give me the courage to stand up for what is right. Should I stumble, lift me up; and when I succeed, make me grateful and humble.
May your angels and saints watch over me and everyone at my school so that we may have a safe and fruitful year. I ask that you accompany me through the doors of my school each morning along with St. Joseph and your Holy Mother Mary.
All-loving God, I especially pray for those children who cannot go to school because of war, homelessness, poverty, or other challenges. Help me to remember these children whenever I face challenges so that I can offer my difficulties for them, my brothers and sisters whose names I do not know.
I ask all this in the name of Jesus, your son.
Amen
Also, don't be afraid to bless your child before they head out the door! Have a wonderful school year!
