Bishop Bryan offers a back-to-school prayer

As school begins this month, Bishop Lawson Bryan invites us to pause and pray, for it is only through grace and the power of the Holy Spirit that we grow and are transformed and renewed:

At the beginning of a new school year, O God of wisdom, we offer thanks and praise for the gift of new beginnings and for the opportunity to learn and to wonder.

We pray for teachers, administrators, and staff: may the love of learning and the joy of teaching be so alive in them that their students will be inspired by their example.

We pray for students: may this be a truly new year in their lives as your Holy Spirit creates a deep appetite to learn and grow intellectually, physically, and spiritually.

Be with us all as we face the challenge of new tasks, the fear of failure, and the expectations of parents, friends, and self.

Come, Holy Spirit, and enable us to translate what we learn into a lifestyle of love and service to you and to our neighbors, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

**Altar photo is courtesy of Colquitt United Methodist Church. The set was created by Dianne Sullivan and several other church members. Thank you for sharing your beautiful design!