Creating a School Prayer

A Step by Step Approach

Step 1:

The following key words, values, terms from our charism should be reflected in the prayer.
................... .................. …............... ..................

Step 2:

Choose one or two options, or add your own.
Loving God,
Creator God,
Gentle God,
God of justice and peace,
.................................

Step 3:

Choose one or two of these. Add your own if you like! They can be expressions of praise or thanks.
Who you love everything that you have made.
you love each one of us, just as we are.
you are a friend of children.
you sent us Jesus to tell us how much you love us.
all of creation gives you praise and thanks!
you gave us Jesus to show us how to care for each other.
You call us to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly.
.........................................................................

Step 4:

(i) Choose one of these or create your own. You could insert your school Saint, or Patron here.
Help us
Guide us
Give us the courage (of Jesus, or...........)
Give us the strength (of..........)
Inspire us (as you did ..........)

(ii) Choose one of these, or write your own to match the verb in Step 4(i). If you choose one sentence in Step 3, you might like to choose two sentences at Step 4. However, keep in mind the length if you want the prayer memorised.
to be grateful for everything you have given us.
to be like Jesus in all we do and say.
to love and care for each other and all of creation.
to follow the example of....... in living out Jesus’ teaching
to act with justice, gentleness and love every day
to be people of .........., ........., and ......... in our lives
..........................................................................

Step 5:

Choose one of these, or add your own, to finish your prayer. You can create hundreds of prayers using the choices on the right in various combinations
Through We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
We make our prayer through Jesus, our brother. Amen.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen
...........................................................

Background Information

When writing a new school prayer, it is necessary that there is consultation with the parish priest, students, staff and the wider school community. The prayer addresses God and should capture elements of the school charism or motto and its founding order, where applicable. The completed prayer is to be prayed regularly so that the community may come to know it well.