A liturgy for the start of a new semester.
I look around and see and hear signs of a campus coming back to life after a break:
students rolling their suitcases to their dormitories
dining hall staff unloading goods
the sound of brooms sweeping across pavement clearing fallen leaves
teachers chatting as they walk to class
Each person valuable and filling an important role
It’s exciting.
Yet, if I’m honest the new start also brings anxiety about the unknown.
Just what will this semester be like?
Giver of peace, quiet these questions of doubt and anxiety that fill my mind:
Am I really equipped to work in this place?
Can I teach and manage all of these classes?
Will I get along well with my new co-workers?
Will my students like me?
Will the work I do here make a difference?
When my heart gets anxious may I speak to my soul and say:
The one who called you is faithful, He will do it.
He has prepared good works for you to do, and in His timing He will bring them to pass.
I am not alone. He will strengthen me and help me. I am held by His mighty right hand.
I am loved with an everlasting love that is not rooted in how I perform.
One who knows all, You lack nothing.
Everything I need is in You.
Would You change these anxious thoughts about myself and turn my heart and mind toYour greater purposes.
Please show me where You are at work.
Open my eyes to the needs around me: in my classroom, in my department, on my team, and in the community You’ve placed me in. May I not be overwhelmed by the needs around me, but instead may the vision You provide be my guide.
One who created all things, help me to design a curriculum that equips students for the work that is ahead of them. Grant me the ability to know how to both encourage and challenge them.
One who determines my steps, would You allow me to cross paths with just the people You want me to befriend. May I be ready to serve the stranger- old or young, friendly or unfriendly, charismatic or odd. You love all.
Giver of life, make me and my co-laborers a sweet fragrance of You to those we meet. May the resources, gifts and talents You’ve placed in us bless those we encounter, no matter how long we are here.
Master, unless you build it, we labor in vain.
I ask for you to do the building through us.
Give us a vision for what You want to accomplish this semester,
and may we not just do what is familiar or comfortable for us,
but what will benefit others and lead to flourishing for those around us.
May Your will be done.
Amen.
Related Posts
