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I have chosen Ezekiel 36:23-29 as the motivating passage for a staff prayer session for the beginning of a school term. As many teachers return from holidays with a somewhat pessimistic and flat persona, this passage can lead them into a theme of cleansing and starting anew. Ezekiel himself is claimed to be an outstanding prophet of the exile period. "God needed a man who would make a strong and vivid impression on the minds of the doubting and discouraged.. .Ezekiel fitted the role to perfection" (Ellis, 1963,347) In using this passage an attempt is also made to lead the teachers back to their religious educational task. Ezekiel 36:23-29 is resolved to restore a helpless and hopeless people so that the nations might know who Yahweh is. Ezekiel insisted that Yahweh would have to effect a change in human nature if the people were to be a covenant people. (Anderson, 1971). Ezekiel's message became one of hope, that a new lifestyle would be possible in God. In just the same way teachers need renewal and a change of focus and lifestyle at the start of each new term. Teachers are not in the same helpless and hopeless situation as the exiles, however they certainly need God's direction and guidance. The prayer session will be split into 10 parts, each will be discussed individually. Part 1 - Opening Hymn; A New Heartfor a New World Trisha Watts and Monica O'Brien Arranged by Kevin Hunt Create a new heart, Holy Lord, Beckon our lives through your word, Open our eyes to your call, United as one for your world. Heighten our minds to your thoughts, Heal us of pride, and of hurt, May we go forth in your name, We pray our hearts change. " 2 The heart of the cross lowly and poor, calls us on. Lord, it is you promising hope, promising truth. Restless, the hearts who yearn for your peace in this land. Deepen the dream, justice brings life, justice redeems. A Hymn at the beginning of a prayer session always settles people down and creates a sense of reverence. I chose this hymn in particular as it draws together two themes, of renewal and the creation of a new life. The hymn directly reflects Ezekiel 36, "I will gi ve you a new heart." Part 2 - Opening Prayer St Hilda Community From the fragmented world of our everyday lives We gather together in search of wholeness. By many cares and preoccupations By diverse and separate aims Are we separated from one another And divided within ourselves. Yet we know that no branch is utterly severed From the Tree of Life that sustains us all. This prayer is used to draw and bond all staff together.
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