A Mother's Prayer on the First Day of School

Here we are again, Lord.  Their backpacks are loaded and their faces are scrubbed and the lunch accounts are full.

And I know You’ll walk with them, Lord.  You always do.  But a mom still has to ask.

Will you walk with them?  Will you whisper to them what they need to hear, when I’m not there to whisper it?

Will you please, oh please, cover their school with the protection only You can give, and will You keep harm far away?

Will you make their minds strong and ready to learn?  Will you help them understand that hard work honors the One who created them?

Will You guide their teachers, giving them patience and wisdom and creativity?  Will you bless them for their efforts?

Will you love all those children there, the ones whose lunch accounts aren’t full, the ones who feel alone?  Will You teach my children to be kind and unselfish and to love those who are different from them? 

Will You point them back toward home just as soon as you can?

Lord, I give them to You today and every day, trusting them to Your care.

Amen.