After the fuss and buzz of the holidays, it is now time to welcome 2009. Like many organizations, starting off the year would include meetings and probably, some activities to jump start and set every employee to ‘work mode’. In our year-opener meeting, I was tasked to lead the group in prayer. A friend once told me that composing a prayer is not an easy task. Well , she can say that again! She added that their are three elements involved: First, find the right words to say. Second, speak from the heart and with deep sincerity. Lastly, pray in a manner that would reach the highest of heavens.

I tried to keep her pointers in mind. After about 2 hours of intense concentration, I came up with a prayer that was, I believe, good enough in many respects.

A New Year’s Prayer for the Preschool Department

Lord Almighty, Thank you for an abundant and meaningful 2008! Despite the hurdles and turmoil, the challenges and the pains, the sadness and the hurt, we have emerged triumphant and strong, eager to face head-on, the challenges of the new year.

O Holy God of new beginnings and infinite surprises, we embrace 2009 with renewed spirits! In strong faith, we believe that this will be a better year. May it be a time of grace and abundance, of financial security and better relationships, of good health and bright tomorrows. May it be a year of blessings- a time to cherish our families and friends, a time to renew our efforts at work, a time to embrace You our God faithfully and with conviction.

Walk with us Lord as we journey towards 2009. Hold our hands as we trek through the paths of doubts and misgivings. Carry us on Your back in our troubled times. Give us the gift of enlightenment in times of darkness.

Bless the teachers whom you called upon to take on this worthy profession. Bless Teacher Cielo and Teacher Tin- theirs is the responsibility of molding the love for learning even at an early age. Bless Teacher Lani, Teacher Love and Teacher Chi- as they fashion their children’s minds and hearts and gear them for challenges ahead. Bless Teacher Dianne, Teacher Kim and Teacher Maricel, as they armor their children with life skills that would enable them to be better individuals. Bless Teacher Rej, Teacher Anji, and Teacher Raisa, theirs is the challenge of refining our students and enriching their experiences as they finally bid preschool goodbye and cross-over to more difficult academic lives ahead.

Bless Teacher Joy. May she continually guide and lead the preschool department with fervor and high hopes. Bless Teacher Ana and Brightwoods School, may this institution thrive with zeal in the coming years. May the people continue to embody qualities of excellence, be living epitomes of goodness and walking instruments of hope.

In great devotion we honor and believe in you O Lord. We will continue to work, live, and model your goodness to us. Help us to be more for the people who depend on us…

In everything, in anything, we glorify your name O Lord over and beyond anything else. AMEN