A Blessing or a Curse? I wish I said...

The  day of the election for Moderator of the PCUSA, Bruce "told" me that Evelyn and I would do the Blessing for him IF he was elected.    I learned long ago in a seminary class that sometimes the word "blessing" could be translated into "curse."   Asking me to write a blessing was for me an honor and a curse!!  I had no idea what to say, how long it should be and then he said I had to work with Evelyn on it. (I think she was doing something really boring, like swimming!!)   I rarely write down prayers.  One of my mentors  shared a story about how she had always writen her prayers befoe giving them until one of her parishioners told her she didn't need to read her prayers just say them from her heart.  In my past nine years of ministry, I have rarely written down prayers unless I am officiating at a wedding or memorial service.   And then if they have to be written I go to resources available for those events.   

So I angst about a prayer that would be "good enough" for my son that we could say before the thousand or so people that would be hearing our words.    The following is the prayer and I have added another few words that I wish that I had said at the time:  (Evelyn's part is in Italics)

Dear God, mother and father, of us all.  We give thanks for all those gathered here and for all the communities represented.

We thank you for your presence in the life of the church and especially in our family's life.

We thank you for your abundant blessings.  We ask that you continue to bless the ministry of my dad as he continues his journey of faith as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

On this journey provide my son mentors to guide, friends to support and send the love of his sisters and brothers in Christ to affirm and nurture your call to Bruce.

We ask that your spirit provide my dad with energy, humor, and courage to spread your love and justice.

Give him the wisdom and patience to hear the question, "Are we there yet?"  Over and over again.

And most of all God help us to all remember that this journey requires all of us to share the Good News of Jesus the Christ.

And all God's people in Christ say AMEN.

I ask God that you be with Bruce, Robin, Evelyn, Abigail and Analise as they accompany each other on this journey you have called Bruce to begin this day.   I know God that his new call will create challenges and hardships upon his family that only you will be able to help  provide a way for balance, harmony, and good choices.   Help them! Help us, help them!   AMEN

Comments

[Kerri PD]

Your prayer was beautiful, Sarah. I love that you and Evelyn had the chance to do this together.

Peace!

[Carol P]

Sarah, the prayer with you and Evelyn together was WONDERFUL!!! I feel so privileged to be able to say that I was there to hear it in person. It was a wonderful, human touch on a process that was very legislated.

We, too, pray for Robin and the girls as they embark on this adventure with Bruce. I have no doubt that it WILL be very challenging for all of them. Brian and I are willing to help them in anyway possible.....I told Brian that perhaps this is part of why we moved back to the Bay Area at this time. God works in mysterious and wonderful ways sometimes...:-)

Peace to you and yours -
Carol