Prayer for our schools, colleges and universities

Lord Jesus, Word of Life,
we lift to you, especially today, all engaged in our education system in the UK.

We pray for Head Teachers, Principals and all leaders in education, managing their provisions under increasingly difficult circumstances.  Grant them wisdom, compassion, clarity, strength, resilience and lots of encouragement and support.

We pray for all children and young people as their schools and colleges close - especially those anxious and fearful of what the next few weeks and months might be like - those for whom their school is a constant safe space.
May Your peace and protection surround them.

We pray for all year eleven (GCSE) and year thirteen (A Level) pupils especially, for whom the coming days continue to be uncertain, even though they know exams will not take place in May / June. May they know how treasured they are, and how all their hard work is not wasted; may their goals still be achieved, especially plans for September onwards.
Guide our colleges and universities as they accommodate the necessary changes to admissions, and act fairly and justly in these circumstances.

We pray for students within universities colleges - particularly those worried about their courses, their grades, and whether they'll be able to get home - especially overseas students, a long way from home.
May everyone be granted a safe journey, or a safe place to stay, surrounded by warm-hearted hospitality.

We pray for all children who will be made more vulnerable through the closure of schools, and families who will really struggle with the lengthy time confined to homes, with dwindling resources.

MAY our communities support those schools and nurseries remaining open to look after the most vulnerable children, and those in key worker families.

MAY we all do all we can to support vulnerable families at this time - those struggling to provide food, without the provision of school meals (that plans being put in place would easily reach the most needy) - and those for whom self-isolating for a lengthy period will be very, very testing.

LORD, thank you for all who work in education - and who give their all to serve the young people in their care - may each one know that they are valued and appreciated for who they are, and may they know the gratitude of so many for their work, especially during these testing days. Strengthen each one today, Lord.

In Your name we pray.
AMEN.