CCC Gainesville | Blog
Many of you experienced the return to school today. New teachers, new friends, for some new schools. Its a new school year and things can feel fresh and… well… new! Some children are excited for the start of a school year and some can be worried about various changes or challenges. As parents we want to help our children feel courage so they can face difficult or uncertain moments throughout the day. As Christians we want to help them understand that even when we aren’t with them, God is, and no matter what they are precious to Him.
Our family has come across a few great resources to set a rhythm to our school days. The first few weeks of school we use a liturgy or prayer of sorts that was written for the return to school. At the end of the day we have started doing an Examen for Children.
Begin the Day: A few years ago I came across a beautiful prayer/litany that was originally written for a congregation to recite together. Our teachers recited it with their students the Sunday before school started so some of your children’s might recognize it from last school year. This morning when we said it together, I thought that I wanted to share it with you all so that if you are looking for a way to remind your children that Jesus is always with them, you can also use this together as a family. We personalize it a bit, making it applicable to our day.
God will be with you every day at school. No matter how good or bad things are going, God will be there. You can count on God’s presence.
Leader: When it’s the night before going to school, and I’m picking out my clothes and making sure I have all my school supplies…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I’m waking up and eating a healthy breakfast to start the day…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I’m getting on the school bus or being driven to school…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I meet my teachers and new friends in my class…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I’m playing with my friends at recess…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I’m finding the right school bus to ride home…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I’m telling my family about my day at school…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I’m praying at night and thanking God for my family, my friends and my school…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: Let’s pray together:
All: Thank you, Jesus, for always being by my side. I know that if I get nervous or afraid, you will be there with me. When I see the cross on my backpack, I will remember that you are always with me. I know that I can talk with you any time – day or night – and for that I am so thankful. I pray this all in your name. Amen
*This was written by Rev. Karin Fowler and modified by Rev. Larry Farris
End the Day: “This prayer of review is a short reflection back over the day, recalling events and taking note of your feelings. The purpose is to become more aware of the ways in which God has been present to you, the times when the Holy Spirit was drawing you towards life.” This is a great way to teach children to reflect over their day and be grateful for the ways God provided and to give them a chance to say sorry if they feel they hurt someone or were unkind. The music is very calming and the reader has a beautiful calming voice as she walks you through the reflective prayer. Below you can find the link to the Examen and the basic text that leads children through the prayer.
At the end of your day find a comfortable place and remind yourself that God is there with you. Now look back over your day, were you at home, were you at school, were you somewhere else? What made you happy today? … Whatever it is that made you feel happy today, thank God for those things now. Did anything today make you sad? Did something happen, or something that someone said or did? Did you do something that made you feel unhappy? Maybe there is something you want to say sorry for. Whatever made you feel sad or unhappy today remember that you are precious to God and that nothing ever changes that…
*There is also an Examen for youth that we alternate with. My children seem to like the music in the youth examen better. Also as you scroll down to each age specific examen you will see a link to the music that is used.
Spread the word!
