The School Year Ahead

A blog by Rebecca DeLucia, Next Generation Pastor

In January of this year, we launched The Village, a church wide effort “so that every kid would be seen, heard, known, encouraged and prayed for.” It has been amazing to see relationships bloom and be fostered through this initiative. As I was reflecting and thinking about this back-to-school season, I kept returning to those five words:

seen, heard, known, encouraged and prayed for.  

Please join me in praying this prayer that reflects those 5 missions of The Village for each student whether they come here to Central Kids weekly, are part of our Youth or Learns programs, or live in the Bayshore Area.

Heavenly Father, 

Today we pause as a new school year begins; lifting up every child, every teacher, every staff member, and every family entering into this season. Lord, we know that education is more than just books and lessons—it is a place where lives are shaped, hearts are formed, and futures are written. And with that in mind we pray that each child would be seen, heard, known, and encouraged.
 
May each student be seen, not overlooked, but noticed for the unique image of God they bear. Open the eyes of teachers and peers to notice the quiet ones, the struggling ones, the ones who sometimes feel invisible. Let no child feel hidden or forgotten.
 
May each student be heard, their questions valued, and their stories honored. Give teachers listening hearts, give classmates patient ears, and give courage to those who are unsure if their words matter. May every child and every voice find a place at the table just as they have a place in your kingdom. 
 
May every student be known deeply not just by their grades or their behavior, but for who they truly are: their gifts, their dreams, their joys, and their challenges. Surround each one with people who care enough to learn their names, know their stories, and walk with them in both laughter and struggle. 
 
Lord, surround each student with encouragement when learning feels hard and when challenges come. Remind them that they are capable, gifted, and never alone. Cover them with protection as they go to and from school. Guard their minds from lies, their hearts from fear, and their spirits from discouragement. May they know that they are never alone, for You are with them always.
 
Lord, we ask that the classrooms be filled with peace and respect, the hallways with kindness and friendship, the lunch tables and playgrounds with laughter and belonging. Lord please be with the teachers and staff, giving them patience, wisdom, and strength. And Father please be with parents, filling them with peace as they entrust their children into new spaces.
 
Lord, may this school year be filled not only with learning, but with love. Not only with achievement, but with growth. Not only with knowledge, but with wisdom. And through it all, may every child come to know deeply that they are seen, heard, known, encouraged, and prayed for by us, and most of all, by You.

Amen.