Great and Holy God,

On this historic day we come before you as a nation seeking your blessing and guidance. Thank you, Lord, for the freedoms that we possess as a people, for it is only through your hand that we can stand. Today, Lord, bring your hand of mercy and grace upon us and upon our new President, Barak Obama. Fill Him with your power and transform His will into your will. Humble him, and all of us, before your awesome power, that he may lead us through your strength. Protect him and his family, Lord, from attacks, both physical and spiritual. Lay upon his heart the true burden for your people in this nation and around the world. May he be a man that seeks after your own heart, Lord. And where he and all of us fail to follow your truth, bring gentle correction and transformation. Help us as a nation to shed ourselves of our sinful desires through the power of your Holy Spirit. Enliven the hearts of your church to prayer and fasting, to bring about revival of passion for your gospel and renewal to our nation. Let today be a new day to restore ourselves to a right standing with you through your Son, Jesus Christ. May we as your people seek to live our your kingdom in this world. Bless and protect us from those that would seek to destroy us and who would squelch your word. May our leaders not fear standing for you, but may they walk boldly in your Spirit. And where they fall, intervene with your hand of righteousness.

May we prosper, Lord. May we prosper not in the things of this world, but in the greater things of your Kingdom. May you save us from financial ruin not for our own good, but so that we can bring your good to others. May your peace, love, and grace guide us to true prosperity, and may your holiness cleanse us and heal our nation from our sins.

Bless us this day, O Lord, that we may be a nation that seeks after you. May we humble ourselves and seek your face that you will heal our land.

Through the power and grace of our Savior Jesus Christ we pray.

Amen.

Great God of Heaven, as we prepare to open this school may you also prepare us to be your vessels of truth and wisdom. Use us, Lord, as your hands to mold and shape young men and women into healthy, loving souls. Protect us, O God, – keep us safe from the evils of this world and watch over us and the children in our care. May you be among us in peace, Lord, bringing good will and blessing to all who seek it.

Lord, with so much to do to prepare for the students, may you give these teachers, administrators, and staff the energy and time they need. Bless their preparations that they may feel equipped for the great calling you have placed on their hearts. Expand their hearts that they may be ready to love a new group of children placed in their care. And Lord, bless the students. May you, O God, go now this community and work in the lives of the kids that will be in their classes and hallways. Begin preparing them for this great journey they will have together.

Lord, minimize the distractions and frustrations of this beautiful new school that can keep us away from the goal of molding young lives. Bless these days of preparation that an excitement will continue to build for the start of school. With long days before us, Lord, may we have your strength. Give us the stamina not only for today but for the year that is before us.

May your blessing be evident upon this school, Lord, that all may know your grace.

Amen.