A TEACHERS PRAYER

Lord Jesus, when you lived, worked and talked

amongst men in Palestine, they called you teacher.
Help us to remember the greatness of the work
which has been given to us to do; that we work
with the most precious material in the world, the
mind of the youth. Help us always to remember
that we are making marks upon that mind which
time will never rub out.
Give us patience with those who are slow to learn,
and even with those who refuse to learn. When we
have to exercise discipline, help us to do so in
sternness yet in love. Keep us from the sarcastic
and the biting tongue, and help us always to
encourage those who are doing their best, even if
that best is not very good.
Guide us to help our students, not only to store
things in their memories, but to be able to use
their minds, and to think for themselves. And
amidst all the worries and the frustrations of our
job and mission, help us always to remember that
the future of the nation and of the world is in our
hands.
WE ASK YOU THEN DEAR LORD, TO BLESS THESE
FOODS WHICH WE ARE ABOUT RECEIVE; BLESS
THOSE WHO PREPARED FOR THEM AND FOR THOSE
WHO HAVE NOTHING TO EAT AT THIS MOMENT.
MAY THESE FOODS UNITE US AS ONE BIG FAMILY,
 strengthen our camaraderie AND MAY THESE
FOODS BE OUR STRENGTH IN PERFORMING OUR
DUTIES AS MOLDER OF YOUTH IN THIS WORLD.
GRANT THIS THROUGH OUR LORD.
AMEN.