Prayer Projects for This School Year

by Janet Stobie

I received an email from my friends. Attached to it were pictures of proud great grand-parents holding baby Rina, healthy and strong. Three days later, our family surrounded grandson, Ben, with love as we said goodbye. His dad drove him to Thunder Bay to begin university, a huge step in growing up.

This week children across our nation have returned to school. Most are sent with love and hugs. Some go to new friends and strange schools; some return to old friends and a familiar place. All of them need support. Sometimes, support entails saying, “No.” Sometimes, support means applause.  Our goal is to love them well. That’s not always easy.

Parents have a huge job today. Torn by competing loyalties to work and family, they strive to do all that is required for their school age child. Homework, projects, free time, meals, clean clothes, guidance, and taxi service all require a parent’s time, energy and commitment. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, relative, or neighbor, you have a role to play.

This fall, I suggest you choose several families, some who are relatives and some who are strangers. Make these families your prayer projects. Each day, name them. Hold them in your love. Give God thanks for them. Open your hearts and minds to anything these families might need. Be God’s Good News for them.

St. Paul says: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment… “ (Philippians 1:9)