Don’t Just Grow Older

Here’s a prayer we’re praying together this week:

God of all knowledge and wisdom,

we pray your blessing on these students,

young and old, as they begin a new year.

Help them to discover

and develop the gifts

you have given them.

As they grow in knowledge,

help them also to grow in kindness and compassion,

learning respect for themselves and others.

Strengthen them with encouragement, support, and love. 

in Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Today, notice this sentence: As they grow in knowledge, help them also to grow in kindness and compassion, learning respect for themselves and others.

We need to grow wiser and kinder, not just older.

Part of that caring understanding is a compassionate view of others.   Jesus says that starts with caring for ourselves, but does not end there, when he says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)

Be certain that others are praying this for you and me today, even as we pray for them:

As (we) grow in knowledge,

help (us) also to grow in kindness and compassion,

learning respect for (ourselves) and others.