The school day offers plenty of occasions to pray, and not all of them occur in the chapel. These original prayers were composed for this treasury for private devotion. They are not presented as official liturgical texts or prayers carrying an ecclesiastical approval.
Before study
Lord Jesus Christ, open my mind to what is true. Give me patience with what is difficult, honesty about what I do not understand, and gratitude for those who teach me. Let the knowledge I gain make me more useful to my neighbour and more attentive to you. Amen.
For a teacher
Lord, you know the children entrusted to me. Give me the patience to explain again, the courage to correct justly, and the humility to admit my own mistakes. Keep me from favouritism and discouragement. May none of my pupils feel beneath my attention. Amen.
For pupils beginning a new term
Heavenly Father, bless the work and friendships of this term. Help us to welcome those who are new, to ask for help when we need it, and to do faithfully the duties of each day. Keep our school in truth, kindness and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
For a homesick boarder
Lord Jesus, be near to every child who longs for home tonight. Send attentive people to notice and comfort him. Give him courage to speak of his worries, and help his family and teachers to respond wisely. May he know that he is loved and that help is close at hand. Amen.
Before an examination
Lord, help me to prepare honestly and to use calmly what I have learned. When I am anxious, steady my thoughts. When I am unsure, help me to persevere. Whatever the result, keep me grateful, truthful and ready to begin again. Amen.
When learning is difficult
Father of light, give me patience with the work before me. Help me to ask a clear question, accept good help and take the next small step. Protect me from shame and from pretending. Let those who teach me recognise the effort they cannot always see. Amen.
For parents
Heavenly Father, give parents wisdom in the care of their children. Help them to listen without fear, guide without possessiveness, and choose with both love and judgement. Bless their partnership with those who teach, and give every family the support it needs. Amen.
For school leaders
Lord, give those who lead our schools clarity of mind and purity of intention. Help them to protect the vulnerable, hear unwelcome truths and deal fairly with staff and families. May concern for reputation never obscure the needs of a child. Give them courage, good counsel and hope. Amen.
For friendship and reconciliation
Lord Jesus, teach us to speak truthfully and listen generously. Forgive our unkindness. Help us to repair what we have damaged, welcome the lonely and seek peace without concealing wrongdoing. Make our friendships a school of fidelity and joy. Amen.
For benefactors and those who serve quietly
Gracious God, bless those whose generosity and work sustain our school. Remember the hands that cook, clean, repair, teach and care. Give them just treatment, needed rest and the knowledge that their service matters. Help us to show our gratitude in deeds. Amen.
For former pupils and deceased members of the school
Merciful Father, keep our former pupils in your care wherever life has taken them. Guide those who have lost their way, strengthen those in difficulty and bless their families. Receive into your peace the departed members and friends of our school. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
At the end of the school day
Lord, receive the work of this day, its successes and its failures. Forgive what we have done amiss. Bring help where we have overlooked a need, and peace where we have caused hurt. Grant us rest, and tomorrow the grace to serve you better. Amen.
