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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, teach me to go step-by-step to get through the beginning of a new school year! Amen.

"If a friend hurts you," Jesus said, "talk to her about it alone. If that doesn't work, tell someone else. If she won't listen, tell the church; and if she still won't pay attention, ignore her like a stranger. Pray together and God will listen, because wherever people gather in my name, I'm with them."

School is starting, and you have too much to do! When you hear about all the classwork and homework and projects you'll have to do in the next few months, you might freak out a little. How on earth will you get all that done?

What's easy to forget is that you don't have to do it all at once! This week's Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20) is about taking things one step at a time instead of getting overwhelmed and freaking out.

In the Gospel story, two people have a problem and can't seem to figure out how to solve it. Before giving up on a friendship, Jesus reminds them, go step by step: first, talk about it; then get advice from a different person, then someone at church. He also says to pray about the problem - together, if possible.

Only if they have done all those things and nothing has worked does Jesus say it's OK to give up on the friendship.

That's a good way to look at school, too: If you're scared about how much you have to do, start by reminding yourself that you have months and months to do it. Then make a list of what you have to do, if you like having lists. Then ask an adult for help in figuring out what you need to do and when. The whole time, pray for God's help. If you still feel overwhelmed, talk to the adults you trust about maybe changing your schedule.

A new school year is exciting. Don't let it overwhelm you![[In-content Ad]]

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