For Teachers

WE bless Thee, O God, for the men and women whom Thou hast called to the work of training the young. We thank Thee for the influence of teachers upon our lives and characters. We would never forget the greatness of the debt we owe them. We remember how patient they were with our dulness, how forbearing with our perverseness, how sympathetic with our discouragement, how helpful and generous in all their work of guidance and instruction.

We bless Thee for the self-denial and devotion of Thy servants who in school and college and university are making the generation that is to be. Grant that we may uphold them by our interest and prayers and good-will. Sustain them in all their labour of love. In hours of despondency, cheer them; in hours of weariness, be present with Thy renewing strength. Glorify their effort with a sense of Thy presence. Fill them with a consciousness of the solemn issues of their calling. May they give to those committed to their charge not their time and talent only, but themselves as well. Grant them to remember that they are forming human souls, whose hopes and fears, faiths and doubts reach out beyond the passing years. Keep them mindful of that hour when the Master of masters will appear, Christ the Lord of angels and of men, to examine every man's conscience and to reward every man as his work shall be. We pray in His Name. Amen.