She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” – Genesis 16:13

God who sees us,

We pray for the many students preparing for their first day of school. For some, they will be taking their first steps into a new school building, for others, they will be returning to a familiar building, but in a different grade with new teachers and classmates. Many will transition from being the oldest in their school to the youngest in a new school. Others will have left friend groups at the end of last year and be questioning who they will sit with at lunch when they return. Some students will be nervous and apprehensive, while others will be excited and eager to jump back in.

In all of these circumstances and emotions, we know you are the God who sees us, gazing at these students with kindness and love. May they know your affection for them and may it instill courage and confidence in their spirits. We pray that students see your love in their interactions with other students, teachers, and administrators. May they enter this school year secure in the knowledge that you see them, you love them, and you are always with them.
 
-Katie Masters Jackson
United4Hope Program Manager