We prayed with our new students this prayer to begin the school year:
Father, we praise you for your grace to us in Christ. Lord, we give you thanks. Father, we praise you for calling us to yourself. Lord, we give you thanks. Father, we praise you for making us new, for transforming us by the power of your Spirit. Lord, we give you thanks. Father, we praise you for your word, for speaking your life-giving truth to your people. Lord, we give you thanks. Father, we praise you for your instruction, for giving us your wisdom. Lord, we give you thanks. Father, we praise you that you have called us to minister to your people. Lord, we give you thanks. Father, we praise you for equipping us for future ministries. Lord, we give you thanks. Father, we praise you for bringing us here, for making this possible. Lord, we give you thanks. Father, we ask for grace to be diligent in our studies. Lord, empower us by your Spirit. Father, we ask for perseverance as we grow weary. Lord, empower us by your Spirit. Father, we ask that you cultivate in us humility as we pursue our studies. Lord, empower us by your Spirit. Father, we ask for aid against pride, complacency, and arrogance. Lord, empower us by your Spirit. Father, we ask for aid against judgmentalism and the fear of others. Lord, empower us by your Spirit. Father, give us grace to be good classmates, to put away a competitive spirit, and to help our sisters and brothers. Lord, empower us by your Spirit. Father, give us humility to ask for help when we need it and to receive it with thanksgiving. Lord, empower us by your Spirit. Father, cleanse and purify us from the sins that destroy our souls and corrupt this community. Lord, empower us by your Spirit. O God who empowers us to persevere, you caused all holy scriptures to be written for our instruction; grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by steadfastness, and by the encouragement of your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.
Faith Improvised 