Lord Jesus, when you lived and worked and talked amongst the people, they called you Teacher. Help me to remember the greatness of the work which has been given to me to do. Help me always to remember that I work with the most precious material in the world, the mind of a child. Help me always to remember that I am making marks upon that mind which time will never rub out.
Give me patience with those who are slow to learn, and even with those who refuse to learn. When I have to exercise discipline, help me to do so with sternness and yet with love. Keep me from the sarcastic and the biting tongue, and help me always to encourage and never to discourage those who are doing their best, even if that best is not very good.
Help me to help these children, not only to store things in their memories, but to be able to use their minds, and to think for themselves. And amidst the worries and the irritations and the frustrations of my vocation, help me to remember that the future of the Church, the nation and of the world is in my hands. This I ask for your love’s sake. Amen