thedsmith@aol.com)

"May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being - spirit, soul, and body - free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
(1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, TEV)

God, my Father, and Father of my children, I hold my children up to you and thank you for entrusting them to my care. They are a challenge and a joy to me, just as you tell me I am to you.

This day, the first day of school, I pray your peace and protection on these children of ours. As they are immersed in a new environment and face
new joys and challenges, I pray that holiness will be their way in body, soul and spirit. When they are fearful and concerned, teach them that you
are the God of peace. As they fill their mind with new things, in every way may their new knowledge come under your Son's Lordship. When temptation whispers to them, remind them Jesus is coming, and not with a whisper.

They may encounter hateful things in their world today -- anger, guns, lust. immorality, isolation, hatred, isolation, discrimination, slander and
depression. I ask that you bring to their lives things of wonder -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control. Give our children eyes to see what is truly wonderful and may they be given the courage to live and share that wonder with those
that interact with today.

And I pray for myself, Father. When I become worried over my children's safety, fill me with your peace. As I am concerned over what they may be exposed to today from their peers and otherwise, remind me that your Son reigns over every body, soul and spirit. And finally, when I am tempted to rely on my own wisdom and my own strength, humble me and make me bow my
heart afresh to Jesus, my Lord.

For it is in His name I pray. Amen.

Thought for the Week
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