For those who cannot attend the Sept. 13 “Blessing of the Backpacks” for the children and youth of CV.

First, load up your backpack or book bag, or whatever you use to carry your books, computers, and classroom materials.  Second, invite some friends to join you and bring their backpacks/book bags, etc.   Third, pile them all together, then say/pray this blessing together (or if you’re really creative, turn it into a responsive reading).  After you are done, maybe pin or tie something to your bags as a reminder that God goes with you wherever you go.

Lord God Almighty, creator of the universe, source of all Truth, Wisdom, and Knowledge, thank you for the precious gift of education.  Bless this bag that I haul around, for it holds within tools for learning.  Bless these tools for learning, sources of facts and figures, dates, names, and places, ideas, theories, equations, theorums, and questions yet to be answered, information about the cosmos and all that is within it.  Bless those that use these tools to teach, to impart knowledge, skill, and understanding - the professors, teachers, and assistants charged with my education.  And bless the one who carries the bag, who uses the tools, and learns from the teachers, for being a student is no easy job.  Bless me, dear Lord, for I am a student in need of your help and guidance.  May my education not only lead to fulfilling employment, may I also find my calling in life, where my knowledge, skills, talents and gifts intersect with the needs of the world.  In Jesus name, amen.