Dear Friends in Christ,
“You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul,
and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and fix them
as an emblem on your forehead. Teach them to your children,
talking about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise”
(Deuteronomy 11:18-19).
Teaching and learning are cherished gifts in our Lutheran Christian tradition. Like the Ancient Israelites, and the Early Church, we value instilling Godly wisdom and knowledge in our children. Most of our parishes offer Bible Study, Sunday School and catechetical instruction. Many of our parishes house preschools, and before and after school programs. Solomon Lutheran School in Woodville has operated as a Christian Elementary School (currently nursery through 6th grade) since 1862. So, I was blessed and pleasantly surprised to receive a pullover from Solomon Lutheran School in the mail this week. That special gift reminded me to add Solomon’s administrators, teachers, and students to my morning prayer list.
Many of our students, teachers, staff, and administrators are returning to school this week across Northwestern Ohio. Even decades later, I can still recall the rising anxiety that would accompany the days leading up to a new school year. I cannot even begin to imagine the anxiety administrators and teachers are experiencing these days. I have been praying for our local school officials, and today, I invite you to join me.
O God, source of all wisdom and knowledge: we give you thanks for the gift of learning and the opportunity for education. Bless our schools, colleges, and universities, that they may be places of safety and formation. Places where faithful teachers challenge the minds and nurture the hearts of dedicated students. Grant that all administrators, teachers, parents, and students may work together in mutual respect and find joy in the gifts of teaching and learning. Lead us to be gentle with one another, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (Adapted from Sundays and Seasons 2020)