Blessing of the Backpacks during the pandemic 2020

This is something I wrote up for our church to use this August for back to school 2020 during the pandemic.  The explanation, prayer and ideas are below...

Blessing of the “Backpacks” during the Pandemic

We are all struggling to find ways to get our children and families more interactive in worship – whether it be online, outdoor services/drive ins or in a few cases, in person.  It’s difficult during this time.  We are all experiencing it and feel it.  So I wanted to write a blessing of the backpacks that would help the congregation – esp the kids – get involved.  I didn’t want to make it long since it feels like everyone’s attention spans are shorter these days (mine is), so if you want to include a few sentences specific to your church/community, feel free to do so. I don’t think it would be too much. If you are doing this online, have different kids/youth read the “stanzas” and piece them together in a video.  If you are doing it live (drive in/outdoor/in person), then perhaps you can get different people to stand up where they are (or in the microphone) to read the different parts.

Intro done by pastor/educator/leader:  Every year, our church does a blessing of the backpacks.  This year, since times are so different and our needs are various, we are going to have an interactive “Back to school” prayer.  I will read (or, the children and youth and I will read…) a prayer and then we ask you to voice out loud your needs or the needs of those around you – in your families, your community or schools.  Don’t be shy, say them all out loud and at the same time – first names only.  If you’re at home, we encourage you to say them aloud as well.  We want everyone to be a part and feel a part of this prayer.  Let us pray…

Pastor/Educator/Leader: Heavenly God, we come to you this school year with confusion, heavy hearts, frustration, and sadness.  It isn’t what any of us expected nor wanted.  But we know that in You, we have hope.  And we know that You can turn our sorrows into joy.  So, with that in mind, we bring to you our concerns, needs and petitions, knowing that you will hear us and respond…

Kindergartner:  God, we pray for children who are going to school for the first time.  Help them be brave, be good listeners and help them learn a lot!

Person 1:  We lift up to you, God, all the children who will be going to school online or who will be home schooled.  We pray that they feel loved and connected.  We pray for motivation, so that they are able to learn the material presented to them and we ask for your blessings upon them while they struggle with limited social interaction opportunities…Hear our prayer…(pause for names to be spoken aloud)

Person 2:  Lord, we pray for all the children who will be learning in person.  We pray you watch over them and we ask that you help them be responsible, good listeners and good learners.  We know we are asking things of our children that we have never asked before, help them be flexible and to adapt.  Hear our prayer… (pause for names to be spoken aloud)

Person 3:  We also pray for those children who will be learning in yet a different way – online and in person.  This new way of learning we know will be confusing and difficult at first.  Help these children have patience and help them have compassion for themselves, their classmates and their teachers.  Hear our prayer… (pause for names to be spoken aloud)

Person 4: Counselor God, we want to name our children and youth who have specific needs – physically, mentally, socially or emotionally.  This pandemic has been especially hard on them and their families.  Every child is different but you know their needs and what is best for them.  Help these families make the right decisions for their child and help these children overcome the hurdles that have been placed in front of them.  God, with your help, these children and families can excel.  Hear our prayer… (pause for names to be spoken aloud)

Person 5:  God, please be with the parents at this time as they struggle to not only be parents, but also teachers and counselors.  We see them juggling multiple responsibilities – including their children, their marriages and their jobs.  We see them deliberating and weighing all the options for their children and families.  They are having to make decisions they never thought they would have to make.  God, please give them guidance in their decision making and peace of mind.  Hear our prayer… (pause for names to be spoken aloud). 

Person 6:  God, we also want to lift up our college students.  These young adults that are ready to leave the nest, to be on their own and to be independent.  This isn’t what they wanted, what they were expecting or what they need.  Please guide them through this transition – whether it be online, at home, on campus or something in between.  Give them strength, give them an open mind so they can learn and give them peace in whatever situation they find themselves in.  Help this obstacle strengthen them and not overwhelm them.  Hear our prayer… (pause for names to be spoken aloud)

Person 7:  Lastly God, we want to pray for our teachers and administrators.  Our teachers who are overwhelmed and our administrators that are struggling with tough decisions.  This is unfamiliar territory for them and they are being asked to do things that they are not trained to do, not prepared for and not equipped to handle.  But with your help, they will.  We know they will because of their love and dedication for our children and youth.  God grant them wisdom.  We also pray for patience…patience with the children, parents, and their coworkers.  We ask that you give them peace of mind.  And we pray that when school starts and chaos ensues, that they will be the voice of calm and reassurance that our children desperately need.  Hear our prayer… (pause for names to be spoken aloud). 

Same leader from the opening:  Thank you God, these are our prayers and what is on our hearts and minds.  We pray that your loving arms are wrapped around everyone this school year, helping them feel loved and safe.  Hear the names lifted up to you out loud and in silence.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

7 prayers for my now 7-year-old daughter...

Happy Birthday little monkey!!

1 WEEK

My daughter turns 7 today!  I wrote her a blog last year (here) telling her all the things I loved about her :) This year, I decided to write her a prayer.  Every night before I go to bed I check on both of my little monkeys, give them a kiss and tell them I love them.  Sometimes, I'll spend a few minutes and pray over them :)  They can't hear me...but they don't need to.  God does.  I figure one day they may read my blog, and these birthday posts will be a little gift to them.  So, for my littlest monkey's seventh birthday, I've decided to write her a prayer...one that she can keep with her, read later and maybe one day read to her child :)  so, my sweet little girl, here are my seven prayers for you on your 7th birthday...

  *First and foremost, I pray you keep your eyes on Jesus.  It won't always be easy - there will be doubts, unbelievers, temptations, bad times, disappointments...and tests.  You will have questions that you can't answer...nor can we.  God doesn't expect us to have answers...if He wanted us to - He'd have made us perfect and all-knowing just like Jesus.  But he didn't.  We are flawed, sinful and messed up.  We don't understand everything and never will...until we enter Heaven.  Believing and loving God despite those unanswered questions and doubts is faith.  I pray that even though at times your faith may waiver, it always returns - stronger than before.  Never forget who created you and loves you more than anyone on earth could.  I pray that your light and faith shine onto others around you - just as your smiles and laughter already do :)  Matthew 21:21

1 YEAR

  *I pray you find friends that you can laugh with, cry with, share you doubts and fears with and pray with.  I pray that your friends not only encourage you down the right paths of life - but stop you from treading down the bad ones.  I pray that you seek friends who build you up when you are alone, in public and when you need it most.  You will always be in my heart and on my mind, but despite my desire to always pick you up when you fall, I can't.  There will be times when you have to stumble and fall because it will make you stronger when you stand up on your own and move on.  I pray, that at those times when you fall hardest and can't seem to get up on your own, a loving friend will help you up and hold your hand as you find your way again.  I pray that you are a good friend.  I pray the good samaritan prayer - that you look kindly on everyone around you - not just on those that would benefit you most.  I pray that the compassion you possess extend to everyone and that you seek out the hurt, lonely and depressed.  Your smile, kind attitude and joyfulness can make even the saddest heart rejoice :)  Proverbs 13:20

2 YEARS

2 YEARS

*I simply pray you remember that family comes first after God.  Friends may come, go and move away - but you family will always be there with you - supporting you and loving you.  When you grow, and have your own family, I pray you do the same for them :)
Exodus 20:12

3 YEARS

              

                                                      

                                                       3 1/2 YEARS

  *You are a compassionate little girl.  I pray that continues and grows as you get older.  Being able to put yourself in someone's place and try and feel what they are feeling is a gift.  Embrace that gift to help those around you.  By showing others compassion, love and understanding, you are showing them God's love.  In the same way, I pray your love and compassion towards animals grows as well.  Your connection with animals warms my heart and I pray you never "grow out of it" :)  Matthew 9:36

4 YEARS

4 years - silly faces :)

*Figuring out the gifts God has given you isn't always easy.  Not everyone knows their gifts right away.  Some find them as a child, others in college and others as adults.  Once you learn what gifts God has blessed you with, I pray that you use them for His glory.  No matter your job - whether in an office, church, outside, inside - you can be a Christian.
1 Peter 4:10

5 YEARS

5 YEARS

5 YEARS

 *Although this seems so far away, I started praying for this as soon as you were born.  I pray that you find the man God has chosen for you.  I pray that he treats you with respect, love and honor.  I pray that he loves God and serves God with a happy heart.  Together, I pray that you lead each other in a mutual relationship bound with love and respect. Pray together, laugh together, cry together and serve God together.  Ephesians 5:22-28

6 YEARS

6 YEARS

6 YEARS

*This doesn't seem to come easy to you.  I pray you understand that YOU are a child of God, that God made you who you are and loves you JUST the way you are.  It will be hard for others to love you if you don't love yourself.  Treat yourself with respect - don't say something about yourself that you wouldn't say about someone else.  You are an amazing girl and God has plans for you.  Don't forget it.  Being beautiful isn't about looks - it's about feeling confident that you are just as you should be.  If you are a beautiful person inside and you understand that - then you will be beautiful on the outside - no matter what your hair looks like, what you're wearing or if you have chocolate all around your mouth :)  Proverbs 3:26

almost 7 YEARS 

God bless you little monkey!  I love you very much and you bless me in too many ways to count :)  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

A prayer for my children before school starts...

I realize this isn't their first day of school...they are going into first and second grade.  So yes, I have done this before. But that doesn't make it easier.  It won't be easy next year, or the next, or when they graduate...or get married.  This is for every parent that's having to let go.  It's hard, as a parent, to express how you feel when sending your kids off to school or on a new adventure. I tried to express it in a prayer...God bless you and your children during this transition.

Heavenly God,

Reluctantly I leave my children with you, in your care. I trust you with all that I am, but I have watched over them with you, night and day from the moment they were born.  We' ve heard every cry, wiped every tear, I’ve changed diapers, potty trained, watched the first step, heard the first word…

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  (Deuteronomy 11:19)

You have been with us and our children through every experience they have had – the good and the bad.  I saw them ride their first ride, I’ve seen them lose their first pet.  Everything they have experienced I have had the privilege to witness.  I thank you God.  I thank you from my innermost being because it is something I will hold on to forever.  The memories will always be with me when they graduate, get married and have their own children. 

Now summer is over.  We have built more memories, gone on trips, seen new things and watched their little faces light up when seeing their first fireworks.  We’ve heard the laughter when staying up late goofing around.  We have had wonderful conversations about life, moving, leaving the old and embracing the new.  We’ve talked about You, God.  We’ve questioned, we’ve answered, we’ve discussed and we’ve pondered Your awesomeness.  Thank you for our experiences and for giving us the chance to go through all of them together. 

 

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."  Isaiah 43:18-19

So tomorrow we let go.  I will no longer know what they are experiencing as they go about their day – meeting new friends, learning new things, shedding tears and sharing giggles.  I will only get the stories afterwards about what happened at PE or what someone said in math or what someone did in the library.  For the first time I no longer get to share in the experience with them…I only get to hear about it from them.  


It is difficult Lord to let go…but we know you are near.  We know that we can’t go with them everywhere, but You can.  You will get to share every experience with them as they grow.  I pray that You help them understand that you are indeed always with them.  If they get bullied, if they forget their homework, if they get hurt, when they mess up or get frustrated…be with them.  Hold them close in your arms just as I would.  If they get 100 on a test, get first place in a contest, meet a new friend, help someone who is upset or hurt…pat them on the back.  Give them a high five and a hug just like I would. 

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Letting go always comes – daycare, preschool, kindergarten, high school, college, marriage.  It will come whether we are ready or not.  Help us through each transition.  Help us enjoy the moment and not dwell on what’s to come or the memories that have gone by.  Help us prepare our children just as you prepared us.  Help us to let go gently and gracefully and guide our children on their new walk.  

Protect them from danger, from people who mean harm, from children who bully because they have been bullied.  Give them the drive and focus to learn…give them the desire to grow intellectually, spiritually and emotionally.  Help them be Your light to others – their friends, classmates and teachers.  Give them compassion to help the new child in class, the hurting and the children who have been wonderfully made different.  Help them to never participate in jokes that hurt others and stick up for those being hurt.  Bless the teachers – that they not only teach, but love our children.  That they show our children how to learn and live in community. 

Thank you God for our blessings.  Thank you for our opportunities.  Thank you for our challenges.  We embrace them with our whole hearts no matter how difficult they may be.  You are our Rock and Redeemer, the Alpha and Omega, beginning and end.  Bless our children as they leave our arms and enter Yours alone…

Amen

He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”  (Mark 9:36–37)

I Love That You...

I saw this done by a friend for her child and so I did it for my daughter on her 5th birthday in July - before I started this blog. Now, I'm doing it for my son :). Paulito, this post is for you!!

a tadpole he got from us for his birthday :)  we can't wait to see it change into a frog!!

Paul, I love that...

...you still give me a kissing hand before school...and ask for one, even now at 7 years old

...you on occasion ask for a "snuggle"...which probably won't last much longer

...you absolutely LOVE frogs :)

...you love to draw and create and want to be a painter/artist when you grow up

...you love math

...you love to play cards and board games

...you almost always play so nicely with your sister

I love that

...your favorite movies right now are sword and the stone and charlotte's web

...you almost always are willing to try new foods

...you want to get up 30 min early so you can play video games before you get ready for school

...you try to keep your room clean

...you try very hard not to break the rules

...you love to be silly

I love that

...you overcame your fear of the water and now love to swim 

...you love God

...when we pray together you like to chime in

...you have begun writing a story

...you don't give up easily

I love that

...family is important to you

...you're willing to watch pretty much any show Ella wants to watch-even if that means you watch max and ruby every day :)

...when I'm sad or upset you immediately know

...your love language seems to be verbal praise and gifts

...you are willing to help anyone you see that is in need

...you love to play soccer with your papa

...you reallllly want to learn Spanish

...you also really want to go back to Peru

...you are a stickler when it comes to us following through with what we say :)

...even though you are introverted you aren't afraid to go out and step out of your comfort zone sometimes  

...wearing plaid green and yellow shorts with a red and blue striped shirt is ok with you :)

...even though your asthma flares up a lot you've never once complained about the inconvenience...even in the hospital

I love that

...you like to learn

...you get excited when you see the sunrise, sunset or a rainbow

...you have a healthy fear of things like the ocean, strangers etc. which means you almost always make the right decisions

...you are a great student

I could go on and on...but I'll stop here :)

One last thing, I love that God gave you to us to raise. You are wonderfully made child!!  

Happy 7th birthday!!