Blessing of the Backpack Prayers

This past Sunday, August 10, 2025, Bobby attended worship at First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville. During the service, the congregation brought children and teachers to the front and offered a prayer for them and for the backpacks.

We would like to include this prayer as a gift from First Presbyterian Church, Kerrville, to the children and teachers of Mission Presbytery and beyond. Reverend Susan Shaw-Meadow provided the prayer for publication.

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The backpack tags bear an image of a tree with full branches and deep roots. Inspiration comes from Jeremiah 17:7-8:

(Those who trust in the LORD)  will be like trees planted by the streams,

    whose roots reach down to the water.

They won’t fear drought when it comes;

    their leaves will remain green.

They won’t be stressed in the time of drought

    or fail to bear fruit.

Holy God, we pray for our children as they return to school. Be with them in the excitement of everything new: classmates and teachers, crayons and notebooks, lessons and homework. Protect them from worry, help them make new friends and be a friend to others.

We pray that our children may be rooted in hope; ready to grow.

We pray for our youth as they return to school. Whether they are the oldest in their school or beginning again, give them a sense of anticipation of new ideas, new friendships and new capacities. Grant them the confidence to navigate challenging situations, the self-awareness to make their own best choices, and the courage to model inclusion and respect for others.

We pray that our youth may be rooted in hope; ready to grow.

We pray for parents as they send their children to school. Help them to enjoy their children’s growth, companion them in learning, and support them in challenges. 

We pray for meaningful partnership between parents and teachers that allow all children to thrive.

We pray that our families may be rooted in hope; ready to grow.

We pray for teachers as they return to school, be it the first year or the fifteenth. Grant them confidence in their training, curiosity about their students, and enthusiasm for a new beginning.

We pray that our teachers may be rooted in hope; ready to grow.

We pray for administrators as they welcome a new school year. We pray for the success of new programs in academics, athletics and the arts. For all who work behind the scenes to make the machinery of education work, may they know the fruits of their labor in the smiles of teachers and students. 

We pray that administrators may be rooted in hope; ready to grow.

We pray for our church at the start of a new school year. May the rhythm of returning to school spark renewal for all of us. Help us to support our students and teachers who teach and learn all year long.

We pray that this church may be rooted in hope; ready to grow.

We pray for our community at the start of a new school year.

Beginning again is challenging this year, O God. Yet we know that beginning again is important. May the routines of the school year bring a stability that supports healing and recovery.

We pray that our community may be rooted in hope; ready to grow.