Sunday, February 18, 2007

A Franciscan Prayer

Bishop Suffragan (ret) John Said
Gordon and Bishop Said
Bishop Said confirmed me at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 10 years ago. He's been really great coming to the aid of our congregation in the last month of being without a rector for 3 years. He kept office hours at the church, lead an Adult Forum, provided pastoral needs, preached and was just wonderful. I've always liked Bishop Said. I consider the picture above taken two weeks ago, my 10 year anniversary of my confirmation.
Last Sunday, he closed the service with a beautiful prayer which I wanted to share with my readers:
May God bless you with discomfort ... at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger ... at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears ... to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough Holy foolishness ... to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done! Amen!

1 comment:

June Butler said...

Gordon, What a beautiful prayer. I made a copy. It's a keeper.

If you don't mind my asking, why are you without a rector for so long a period?

In any case, your bishop has been a true shepherd to the members of your church.