Blessing of the Backpacks
August 17, 2008
Students, teachers, administrators, coaches, staff members, and anyone involved in education is invited to come forward and have their backpack, briefcase or bookbag blessed. This blessing is given in recognition of, and thanksgiving for, God’s daily presence in our daily life. These people have each been called by God into their vocations. As a sign of the blessing, each participant will receive a token to serve as a visible reminder of this blessing, and the prayers of the community ofAdventLutheranChurch throughout the year.
All participants come forward to the altar to receive the blessing
We are gathered together today in thanksgiving for the gift of education – a gift that we respond to in different ways. Some of us find the following from Ecclesiastes to be true: Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. (12.12). For others, the excitement of Proverbs sums it up better: Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding. (3.13)
In our weariness, and in our excitement; for those of us continuing, and those just beginning; for all who prepare for another school year, let us abide by this scripture above all:
Hear, OIsrael: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.*5You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. 6Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. 7Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. 8Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem* on your forehead, 9and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6.4-9)
Today these people bring forward their backpacks, book bags, lunch boxes, pencil boxes, briefcases and other carriers that they might be blessed and dedicated to the glory of God.
Come, children and listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Teach me, O Lord, your ways.
I will bless the Lord at all time;
his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
Teach me, O Lord, your ways.
I will glory in the Lord;
let the humble hear and rejoice.
Teach me, O Lord, your ways.
Students and Educators: We dedicate these items, our work, and ourselves to the glory of God. We thank you, God, for the opportunity to learn, to teach and to serve, so that your work may be done in the world.
May God, the maker of all things, bless these things for the kingdom, and may their use be a blessing to all!
Congregation: O God, source of all goodness: We give you thanks for the gift of reason and the opportunity for education. Bless our school, that they may be places of learning and safety where teachers challenge the minds and nurture the hearts of students. Grant that teacher, students, administrators, coaches and support staff may work together in mutual respect and find joy in the challenges of academic life; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.