God, our Great Teacher:
At the beginning of this new school year, hear our prayer for teachers!
Give teachers compassion to treat each student with dignity and respect,
remembering that every child has a story to tell.
Give teachers wisdom to be role models,
remembering that children learn more from who we are than what we say.
Give teachers your love that reaches out to children on the margins,
remembering that we see Jesus in the face of the poor, the challenged, the rejected.
Give teachers strength to carry heavy loads with patience and good-humour,
remembering that Jesus also walked an extra mile.
As a community we lift up our teachers to You, Lord,
knowing that You plan every divine lesson, Amen.
I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.