On Monday, as part of our weekly staff devotion time, Jo Bryant led a prayer walk to several points across the campuses. Groups prayed through buildings, lifting before God the people and activities that occur there. In light of that, I invite you as college parents and community members to join with us.

Adoration

Lord, we praise you. You are the God of new beginnings and final endings. Thank you for your faithful provision and presence in all areas of our school life. You are all knowing, all wisdom, and you lavish upon us endless grace and mercy. Lord, you are our rock on who we can stand. Your love is steadfast. Today, we are united in our declaration of you as leader and sovereign Lord of this school.

Confession

Forgive us Lord for our propensity to do things in our own strength. We are sorry that we forget you and in doing so, displace your sovereignty over all things and situations. Forgive us when words and actions fall short of the justice, mercy, kindness and humility you require of us as your representatives.

Thanksgiving

Thank you for your constant provision - new and creative ways to bring out the best in our children, our students. As another group of Year 12’s prepare for exams, we give thanks for each one. For the time to get to know them, for the knowledge and skills they have learnt and for the families that love and care for them. We give thanks for the people who have shaped, inspired and challenged their faith journey so far and pray, serving in all spheres of life would be their greatest privilege and joy.

We give thanks for our Donvale Community. Our parents who partner with us to build positive student learning. Our FOD who contribute to a friendly and supportive community culture. Our maintenance, administration and support staff who work towards the upgrade of facilities and provide a beautiful learning environment. Our College Board and leaders who plan, prepare and steward wisely the resources given to us. Our teaching staff who, under God, shape opportunities, experiences and relationships through which students encounter the possibility of transformation by the work of your Holy Spirit.

Supplication

Father, we pray for those around us. Strengthen and fill us with renewed hope and vision for this season. Grant us wisdom and courage as we continually navigate a changing world and prepare our children accordingly. May we be a shining light for Jesus, serving in whatever capacity for His glory.

We pray for our nation and those in leadership. May their decisions uphold the needs of the marginalised, bring justice to those suffering, bring relief to those enduring, bring hope in all circumstances known to you. May religious freedom and our right to employ people of Christian faith continue to be upheld.

We pray for our students. That they would know their uniqueness as image bearers of God and grow to their full potential spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally and physically. May they develop as risk-takers, change-makers and culture creators who engage deeply in their faith and understand its relevance and need in God’s world today.

Lord, thank you for your son Jesus, our Saviour. We know Jesus, and because we know Jesus, we know you. May this knowing in our heads translate to a shalom in our hearts and ‘not let our hearts be troubled’.

In His name, Amen.

Principally Thinking

'Act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with God'

Issue 12 · 16 Oct 2024

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