As the start of a new formation program year draws near for many Christian communities, we at Building Faith want to offer some prayers for all of you who are involved in leading, assisting, and championing formation ministries. Whether you are excited and ready to kick things off, stressed and scrambling to take care of last-minute details, frustrated about something that is already going awry, or tired and in need of a minute of respite, we want to lift up you and your ministries as you participate with God in this meaningful labor of love.
We hope the five prayers below will encourage and minister to you in the days and weeks ahead. We also invite you to share them with your formation teams and other leaders as the prayers speak to you. When you share, please give credit to the original source.
For Blessing and Guidance in Christian Formation
“God of all wisdom and knowledge, give your blessing and guidance to all engaged in Christian formation in your church. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen us all, that in this, and in all things, we may do God’s will in the service of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
From “Commissioning of Teachers, Leaders, Catechists, and Assistants,” Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices website
For Enlightening by the Holy Spirit
“Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom: Enlighten by your Holy Spirit those who teach and those who learn, that, rejoicing in the knowledge of your truth, they may worship you and serve you from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”
From “[A Collect] For Education,” in The Book of Common Prayer (261)
For God’s Presence with Christian Educators
“Guiding God, you have made us all with our own special gifts. Like a body that has many parts, we are a community with many parts. We thank you for all the ways in which you interact with our lives. Today, we ask for your presence with our teachers — those who serve by helping us to go deeper with you. We thank you for each one of them — for the ways in which they illumine your Word, expand our horizons and endure our curiosities. May each of them be granted wisdom, patience and confidence. May their reliance be placed in you but also may they feel encouraged by us.”
From “Liturgy for a Commissioning Service,” in “Commissioning Church Educators” by Jennifer Geddes (follow the link to the full prayer and liturgy)
For Ministering with Joy and Devotion
“Look with favor upon those whom you have called, O God, and grant that they may be so filled with your Holy Spirit, that they may minister in their chosen task with joy and steadfast devotion; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.”
From “Recognition of Ministries in the Church and the World,” in The Book of Occasional Services (155)
For Peace, Joy, and Love in the Ministry of Education
“Surround all those who are called to the ministry of education with your peace and remind us that the work we do is not ours, but yours. Fan the flames of passion for your Kingdom work within us. Restore the joy of your salvation to our hearts. Ignite within us a love for your people that undergirds all we do and inspires others to follow your way. In the name of the Great Teacher, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.”
From “A Prayer for Educators” by Holly Inglis, Association of Partners in Christian Education website (follow the link to the full prayer)
Featured image is by Aaron Burden on Unsplash