“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”   Jeremiah 29:11-13 

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”   Psalm 139:13-16

Lord,  

You are the God who sees us fully and knows us deeply. Every dream, desire, hope, and heartfelt longing we possess was carefully crafted within us by your Spirit. As a mother looks into her newborn’s face and sees the entire future in those bright eyes staring back at her, so do you gaze at us, your children, with love and delight. You see who we have been, who we are, and who we are becoming, all in the same breath and you love us fully.  

May our students rest in the knowledge that you hold them, and all that they contain within themselves, in the palm of your hand. Holy Spirit, inspire our students to dream big dreams. Plant hope deep within their hearts and use those around them to water and grow those seeds. Surround our students with mentors in whom they can see themselves, let them serve as examples of all that they can grow into. Order their steps, grant them passion and purpose, and illuminate the path in which they should walk.  

We ask these things trusting in you, 
Amen 

Katie Jackson, Program Manager
United4Hope