School events and programs like “Buwan ng Wika,” “Intramurals,” “Nutrition Month,” and many more are special educational activities beyond the lessons of the classroom. These events provide students with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with one another. These school programs/events in the Philippines usually start with an opening prayer, regardless if the school is private or public, sectarian or non-sectarian. To kick off these programs, it is customary, to begin with an opening prayer.
As a student, teacher, or administrator, leading an opening prayer can be an intimidating task. However, with the right words and intention, a prayer can inspire and set the tone for a successful and meaningful event. Here are some examples of opening prayers that can be used for school programs:
Samples of Opening Prayer for School Program
“Oh God, our loving Father,
We come before you today with hearts full of gratitude for this opportunity to gather as a school community. We thank You for the talents and abilities You have bestowed upon each of us, and we pray that we may use them to serve You and others in the best way possible.
As we begin this program, we ask for your presence and guidance. May your love and wisdom be with us, so that we may learn, grow, and connect with one another during this special time.
Help us to be mindful of our words and actions, so that we may always act with kindness, respect, and consideration for those around us. May we be open to new experiences and ideas, and may we always strive for excellence in all that we do.
We pray for those who are unable to be with us today, that they may feel your presence and love wherever they are. We ask all these things in your holy name, Amen.”
“Dear God,
We come before you today with grateful hearts for this opportunity to gather together as a school community. We ask for your blessings upon this event and upon each and every person here today.
As we begin this program, we pray that you will guide our thoughts, words, and actions. May everything we do be done with love, kindness, and respect for one another.
We ask for your strength and wisdom as we learn, grow, and connect with one another during this special time. May we be open to new experiences and ideas, and may we always strive for excellence in all that we do.
We also pray for those who are unable to be with us today. May they feel your presence and love wherever they are.
We offer this prayer in your holy name, Amen.”
“Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you today to ask for your blessing and protection as we gather as a school community. We ask that you watch over us and keep us safe from harm, whether on the road or within these walls.
We pray for good weather today so that we may be able to carry out all the activities planned for this program. We ask that you give us a sunny day with a gentle breeze, just perfect for everyone to enjoy the day without worries.
We thank you for bringing us together and giving us the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with one another. We ask that you guide us during this program and help us to be open to new experiences and ideas.
May this event be a time of joy, learning, and fellowship. May we learn from each other, grow in our knowledge and understanding, and connect with one another in deeper and more meaningful ways.
We pray for the teachers and staff who have worked hard to prepare this program. We ask that you bless them and their efforts, and may they feel appreciated for their hard work and dedication.
We also remember those who are unable to be with us today. We ask that you be with them, wherever they are, and may they feel your presence and love.
We ask all these things in your holy name, Amen.”
“Dear God,
We come before you today to ask for your guidance and blessings as we gather for this school program. We pray for the safety of all the participants and may no harm comes their way. We ask that you protect us from any accidents, illnesses, or injuries. May your presence be with us throughout the event.
We also pray for the success of this program. We ask that you bless all the activities and may they bring joy, learning, and growth to all who participate. May this program be a time of discovery and inspiration, where students and teachers alike can learn and grow together.
We give thanks to the teachers and staff who have worked hard to make this program possible. May they feel appreciated and valued for their efforts, and may they continue to inspire and guide us in our studies and in our lives.
We pray for the students, that they may be open to learning and receptive to new ideas. May they find inspiration and motivation to continue their education with passion and enthusiasm.
Finally, we ask for your guidance and blessings on this entire school community. May we always strive for excellence in all that we do, and may we continue to grow in our knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of the world around us.
We ask all these things in your holy name, Amen.”
“Heavenly Father, we come to You in prayer today as we begin this special school program. We ask for Your divine guidance and wisdom as we go through the activities that have been prepared for us. We pray that You will bless us with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the tasks assigned to us with excellence and integrity.
We also pray for the safety of all the participants in this program. Protect us from any harm that may come our way and keep us safe from any bad elements that may try to disrupt this event. We ask for Your presence to be felt throughout the duration of this program, and that Your love will shine through us as we interact with one another.
Lastly, we pray for good weather throughout the duration of this program. We pray that You will grant us sunshine and clear skies so that we can fully enjoy the activities that have been prepared for us. May this program be a success, and may it be a time of learning, growth, and bonding for all of us.
We lift up this program to You, Lord, and we ask for Your blessings to be upon us. We thank You for Your love, Your grace, and Your provision in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”
Conclusion
An opening prayer sets the tone for a successful and meaningful school program. It is a moment to bring the school community together and ask for guidance, wisdom, and strength. As you lead your own opening prayer, remember that the words you choose can inspire and uplift those around you.
May this example of an opening prayer for school programs guide you as you lead your own prayer, and may it remind you of the power of faith and community.