³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Bishop Jo Bailey Wells

Good morning.

This week marks the end-of-term for most schools. Many may be holding some kind of Christmas celebration - so that whatever else has happened this term it can end with a bang, or should we say, with the peace and joy of the season.

This morning we pray for all who teach. I bet there are a good number of teachers up early this morning, perhaps right now seeking to summon up the energy for one more day after what-is the longest darkest toughest term of the year. I have so much respect for teachers: those who invest their lives so fully in the lives of others. Often it’s costly, a case of denying themselves and taking up a cross daily for the sake of the children in their charge.

It’s one of the most rewarding jobs in the world as well – but it’s not just a job, it’s a vocation. Because it’s not something you just do and then leave behind; it’s an investment in the next generation costing body mind and soul. Creating the environment in which young people have the space and safety and inspiration to thrive is utterly compelling yet hugely demanding. And Teacher’s will probably collapse the day after term ends and then be ill over Christmas. But let’s hope not.

This is a prayer for those who teach and those who learn which comes originally from the Book of Common Prayer:
Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom: enlighten by your Holy Spirit those who teach and those who learn, that, rejoicing in the knowledge of your truth, they may worship you and serve you from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.