I think of this last year as “my year of good-byes.” Several people close to me died. Organizational restructurings forced me and other colleagues to move on to different work. Internally,every loss places me at the intersection of sadness and joy, of choosing to follow the path bathed in light or darkness.
Prayer with, for, and by others has been key to remaining authentically hopeful along the way. For example, an amazing group of co-workers in God’s vineyard honored me with the following blessing. I post the prayer here in thanksgiving for Christ’s light and love we experienced in and through one another.
May the work of the Partnership for Adolescent Catechesis continue to bear the fruits of authentic hope..
PRAYER OF BLESSING ON THE JOURNEY (Crafted by Bob McCarty. Used with permission.)
Opening Prayer: God of our life’s journeys, we gather here to celebrate the goodness of our colleagues and to ask your blessing as they continue on the road of life and ministry. May the care that is in our hearts continue to be a bond that unites us, wherever we may be. May the power of your presence bless this moment of our leave-taking. Amen
Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11
Closing Prayer
Response: We know that God goes with you.
As you journey onward, may you know that our support and appreciation for you are etched on our hearts …R
As you experience the pain of change and the insecurity of moving on, may you also experience the blessing of inner growth … R
As you meet the poor, the pained, the stranger on your way, may you see in each the face of our Christ … R
As you walk through the good times and the hard times, may you never lose sight of the shelter of God’s loving arms … R
If you question your decisions and wonder about the fruits of your choices, may the peace of God reign in your heart … R
We praise and thank you, God of the journey, for our friend and we entrust her into your loving care, knowing that you are always the Faithful Traveler and Companion on our way. May her future be a source of many enriching and transforming moments.
Amen.
Graceful Intersections 