Good morning. This is Pastor Kyle. Um, it's Monday, the first day of school around here and in most parts of Iowa. And, um, I wanted to just share a blessing, liturgy, prayer for all the kids going back to school, the parents of the kids going back to school, um, the teachers, administrators at the start of this new year. It's a well-worn road that we walk every end of August, beginning of September, and, uh, we can get used to it. But each year brings its own new things, new anxieties, changes, and each year we need God equally the same.

So let me offer this prayer for all of us as we embark on this new academic year. Gracious God, we are not the captains of our own destiny. Even of this new year, we are not in charge. And so we give everything over to you. This coming year, our lives, our and our desires belong to you, Lord. By your mercies, guide us through these days that we might live them well. Not in hurried pursuit of our own agendas, but rather in pursuit of service to our neighbor out of love for you. Teach us to shepherd the small things each day with great love, tending faithfully to our tasks, to the people around us that you have put in our care.

And at the end of this year, may we look back, seeing how you've drawn us closer to you and to one another. Nothing is too difficult for you, Lord Christ. And so we give this new year to you in confidence that whatever these days bring, you will not be shaken, and neither will we. At the end of this year, we give our efforts over to you that you might cultivate in us closer community with one another and with you, our God. Go with us today, God. Hear our prayer. Amen.

The Lord go with you all into this new year and may you grow closer to Christ as you follow him each day. We'll see you soon.