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Blessing of the Backpacks – August 16, 2015

As another school year begins here in Peoria, we spent time Sunday blessing backpacks for students and briefcases, laptops, and any other tools that workers brought. We also blessed backpacks and school supplies that were donated for those who need them – 66 backpacks were donated!

Click here to download a devotion for families for the first week of school.

The Blessing of the Backpacks

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.

God of all wisdom and knowledge, these items remind us that we are about to embark on a new year.
We give thanks for new beginnings, new opportunities, new ideas, and new tasks,
For joy and excitement, as well as wonder and the uncertainty that teaches us to trust in you.

We thank you for backpacks and briefcases, books and laptops.
May they be a sign to us that you give all we need, and let them be tools we use to do your will.

We thank you for the gifts of making mistakes and trying again.
Help us to remember that asking the right questions is as important as giving the right answers.

Bless those who carry these items with curiosity, understanding, and respect.
Give us open minds and open hearts to learn and experience the marvel of the world you created.

We pray your blessing on all students and workers, young and old, as they begin anew.
May this be a year full of promise.

As we grow in knowledge, help us to grow also in kindness and compassion, learning respect for ourselves and others.
Help us to discover and develop the gifts you have given us.

We ask your blessing on parents, teachers, staff, bosses and all who foster healthy environments. Help them to teach by example, create places of discovery, and guide people in the pursuit of goodness.
Strengthen us with encouragement, love and support all the days of our lives.

 Now O God, bless these backpacks (briefcases, tablets, and tools) and the students and workers who carry them, that they may know your blessing, and be a blessing in their world. In the name of Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

*Prayer and blessing were modified from prayers found here and here.

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