Franciscan Benediction

Just when our worshippers were growing accustomed to the oddity of an Ethiopian pastor concluding the worship service with an Irish Blessing, we mucked up the water even more. Yesterday at worship I shared a Franciscan Benediction as the blessing. Enough people emailed asking for a copy that posting it here sounded like a good idea.  

A Prayer for God’s Blessing

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 pain, rejection, hunger 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 foolishness To believe that you can make a difference in the world, So that you can do what others claim cannot be done To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen.