As our graduating class of 2022 prepares to finish school, our house chapel services have been marked by beautiful rituals of blessing and prayer. We have reflected on the Christian message that we are all valuable, all in God’s image, regardless of how we feel we compare to others in terms of achievement. The extension of this, however, is that not only is each BDC student special, so is every child and every human across the world. American writer and theologian Frederick Buechner, who died last month at the age of 96, beautifully articulated our calling in life: “Vocation is the place where our deep gladness meets the world's deep need.”

My prayer for the graduating students is that they may live lives doing what they love (living their “deep gladness”) and use this in the service of the world, especially those most vulnerable (thereby meeting “the world’s deep need”).

I would like to share with you some prayers from our final house chapel services. Here are prayers of gratitude and prayers for others that have been written by graduating Year 12 student Imogen Grebert. 

This prayer was written for our graduating students by the Head of Cottee, Mrs Leah Ham. 

Heavenly Father,

We give thanks for our wonderful Yr 12 students. We pray that you will bless these students as they prepare to leave this place and embark on a new and exciting season in their lives. With each new beginning Lord, we know that there will be trials and challenges. May they turn to you in times of need and may you provide guidance, strength and courage as they navigate what lies ahead. May your love and promises guard their hearts and minds and may your light forever shine upon them. 

May you encourage their hearts daily Lord and may we all remember to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.

God knows you, loves you and has a plan for your life. 

In the words of Jeremiah,

Jeremiah 29: 11 

'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. '

As we journey through this life together ‘let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith’. 

Amen

Blessings to all our families for a time of rest and rejuvenation in the school holidays ahead, prayers of safety to those who are travelling, and effective studying for our HSC students.

Baptisms, Confirmations, Weddings and Funerals are always available for members of our school community – please contact the Chaplains to find out more.

Rev Naomi Cooke
Chaplain
ncooke@bdc.nsw.edu.au