Praise and Thanks for New Beginnings
Certainly the faithful love of the Lord hasn’t ended; certainly God’s compassion isn’t through! They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness. I think: The Lord is my portion! Therefore, I’ll wait on him.
– Lamentations 3: 22-24 (CEB)
God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power:
I pray to you today, giving thanks for this new beginning, whose very dawning is the first of many blessings you will pour out upon your creation. Before we take even the most modest action, we offer you our thanks and praise.
Seeking your grace upon all those who are entering a new season, whether they are beginning their first appointment, returning to a familiar vineyard, embarking upon a new assignment or crossing the threshold into ‘reWirement,’ may we begin this chapter with joy, reverence and gratitude.
We are grateful for this day, and the significance it holds for the past, present and future of each sacred space. As we embark upon new chapters of leadership, grant your anointed servants the wisdom and courage to lead in a way that both honors each space’s rich history, while forging a vibrant, Christ-centered new path. Fill us with every gift that will be required to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously. Ennoble us to open doors of opportunity, withstand each challenge, and overcome any obstacle.
We give thanks for every hand and heart we will meet in the coming days, weeks and months. They will come from diverse backgrounds, traditions and understandings. May we lead in such a way that each feels welcomed and valued, assured of their innate worth, and offered the same opportunity to thrive and excel to their highest potential. May your shalom pass from heart to heart, hand to hand, soul to soul.
At a time when truth is too often peddled on the public square to the highest bidder, may we always, always strive to seek your eternal truths. May we continue the pursuit of theological excellence, societal advancement, and the development of reasoned, justice-seeking, critical thinkers, all of which our world so deeply needs. And may we love in extravagant ways that inspires others to love as well.
Above all else, may we know and embrace the fact that our servant leadership is not by happenstance nor the divining of mere mortals; rather, you have called us for such a time as this to bring to bear the graces you have poured into our being, nurtured by our communities, and perfected for this very hour. May each of us receive a double portion of your blessing for the living of these days.
In the name of all that is holy. Amen.