O God our heavenly Father, as we begin a new school year, we thank you for the holidays which have just ended.

We thank you for the love of our homes, family and friends, for recreation, for the beauty of nature, for the many joyful experiences we have shared together and for your constant presence and care.

We thank you for our health and strength and for our ability to enjoy your many gifts to each one of us.

We pray we may show our gratitude in the lives that we shall live in this coming year. May our life example be acceptable in your sight through the grace and peace of Jesus Christ our Lord forever and ever.

Amen.