Prayer for a New Term 

1st Sept 2025

Yesterday we gathered with other local churches for a time of prayer and praise together! I was asked to lead a "commissioning prayer" to close the service, and as I sat and thought about it, these words began to flow.

I've been asked by a few people if it would be possible to share that prayer, so I've uploaded it here, you can listen or read along. Let's keep praying together for our young people and those serving in the world of education for such a time as this!

And so from rest we return to the rhythms of routine and responsibility
From the playfulness and the stillness to the business and the busyness
From the gentle pace of summer to the relentless of September
And in the sharpness of the gear change between the two
we are powerfully reminded Lord, of our deepest need of You.

God of the times and the seasons - God of work, rest and play
God of yesterdays yearnings, tomorrow’s learnings, of this - and each - new day

Would you meet us here and now in this moment...
Flood our senses with Your Spirit like a deep breath before the dive
Fill our bodies and beings with Your power, that our soul might soar and thrive
Form Your purpose in our working – put Your glory of display

Unfurl the kindness of Your Kingdom – reveal the wonder of Your ways
Until our classrooms and our staffrooms become the greenrooms to Your entrance 
Until our lecture halls and hallways become the pathways of Your presence
Until You disrupt our discussing and debating with undeniable demonstrations
Until Your truth is taught, Your scriptures sought,
Your glory gleaming through this generation!

Until the Name Jesus is uttered not as swearword but a password into prayer
Not as a punchline or a sideline, but a lifeline for all ensnared
Until the bullied find in You a Friend who sticks closer than a brother
Until the lonely find in You a loyal and limitless love like no other
Until the unpopular and unpicked hear Your call to follow
Until the empty promises of promiscuity and celebrity ring out cheap and hollow 
Until the culture of cancelling stands itself censored 
Until the sham of shaming sits at Your feet: surrendered!
Until the gravitation pull of guilt meets the rocket fuel of Your grace
Until the marketplace and the cyberspace become Your glory’s dwelling place

God of the times and the seasons – the same yesterday, today and forever
May this be the time, may this be the place, may revival burst out like a river
Rise up you Holy Nation, rise up new generation, 
Stand your ground, make His praises loud, don’t settle for less than resurrection
Rise up you children of His hope, rise up young people of the Way
Rise up families of the faith, rise up church that bears His Name
Rise up teachers of His righteousness, rise up workers of His peace
Raise up a battle-cry, raise His banner high
Raise His Name until breakthrough stands complete

O God, we cry again in Jesus Name:
Spirit come, break the dam
For the sake of Your glory
In Your alone-worthy Name we pray
And all God’s people said: Amen.