A Room Full of the Next Generation
a liturgy for teaching your first class
As I prepare to stand before a room
full of the next generation,
I ask for Your presence to be near.
May I remember all You have done
to bring me here;
all the mountains and valleys, twists and turns.
I thank You, for Your plans are perfect.
As I prepare to stand before a room
full of the next generation,
I ask for Your presence to be near.
May my words be Your words;
steeped with grace, kindness, and hope,
sweeter than honey.
I thank You, for Your words have given me life.
As I prepare to stand before a room
full of the next generation,
I ask for Your presence to be near.
May I have vision to see them like You do;
hungry for love and purpose,
people whom you cherish.
I thank You, for You know each one deeply.
As I prepare to stand before a room
full of the next generation,
I ask for Your presence to be near.
May hope overflow when I step foot in the room,
for how beautiful it is to build bridges of friendship
through learning and growing together.
I thank You, for You teach me the path of life.
As I prepare to stand before a room
full of the next generation,
I ask for Your presence to be near.
May anxieties and strivings cease;
meet me here, the One who calms the seas;
quiet me with Your love.
I thank You, for You are not far from any of us.
As I prepare to stand before a room
full of the next generation,
I ask for Your presence to be near.
May I walk in a manner worthy of You,
a picture of love, patience, and gentleness,
sweet fruits of the vine.
I thank You, for Your well never runs dry.
As I prepare to stand before a room
full of the next generation,
I ask for Your presence to be near.
May You do more than I could ask or imagine
with this time, this heart,
this life that is wholly Yours.
I thank You, for You are before all things,
and in You all things hold together.
As I prepare to stand before a room
full of the next generation,
I ask for Your presence to be near.
May I remember all You have done
to bring me here;
all the mountains and valleys, twists and turns.
I thank You, for Your plans are perfect.
Further exploration
You can find a printable version of this liturgy here: A Room Full of the Next Generation.
Post Author
Elle lived in Thailand for a year and recently moved to China for the first time after teaching online for the last 3 years. She has worked cross-culturally in Myanmar for over 10 years and served in Laos, Vietnam, and Türkiye in various short-term capacities.
Series Editor
Image designed by Elaine Liu.
Master Teaching 
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