Tonight was the last class for my first class of the semester. My teacher read a devotional every class period before we began the lecture. This week, she ended class with the prayer/blessing that I'm about to share with you. I hope you like it.
Oh thou, who art the God no less of those who know thee not
than of those who love thee well,
be present with us at the times of choosing when time stands still and all that lies behind and all that lies ahead are caught up in the mystery of the moment.
Be present especially with the young who must choose between many voices.
Help them to know how much an old world needs their youth and gladness.
Help them to know that there are words of truth and healing
that will never be spoken unless they speak them,
and deeds of compassion and courage that will never be done unless they do them.
Help them never to mistake success for victory or failure for defeat.
Grant that they may never be entirely content
with whatever bounty the world may bestow upon them,
but that they may know at last that they were created not for happiness but for joy,
and that joy is to them alone who, sometimes with tears in their eyes,
commit themselves in love to thee and to others.
Lead them and all the world even deeper into the knowledge
that finally all people are one
and that there can never really be joy for any until there is joy for all.
In Christ’s name we ask it and for his sake.
Amen.
