When the delegates of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane member’s met in November, we prayed the following petition: “Dear Lord, You have given Your Word as a light to a sin-sick world, and by that Word You bless us with salvation. You have raised up for Yourself the seminaries and universities of the Church, where Your children are gathered and trained to do Your will and further Your kingdom here on earth. Be with those studying to be pastors and teachers in the Church. Open for their learning the life-giving Scriptures, and keep them faithful and focused in their studies. Give them the skill and confidence to confess You as Saviour even as they teach others of Your salvation. Grant those men and women preparing for vocation in the Church the strength needed to keep their eyes focused on their studies. Help them through temptations the devil will use to distract and discourage them. When stress and doubts appear, speak to them through Your Word and Sacrament the comforting promise of peace with You in this world and eternal rest in the next. Keep students and instructors humble, receiving Your Word with childlike faith, so that in all they say and do, the light of Your Word is focused and bright. Give the instructors in our seminaries and universities not only knowledge but also the ability to share this knowledge and pass on our Christian heritage. Give the instructors a Christlike care and compassion for their students. Grant the students willing and open minds to receive this instruction, that they may be formed by Your Word and become leaders in the Church, sharing the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ, who died and rose to save us all, in His name. Amen