The Blessing
I think two weeks ago I posted about ‘Blessing the community’. In my search for scriptural blessings and liturgical blessings I came across this very interesting Franciscan Benediction. I pray that it will be a ‘blessing’ to you today.
“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 in to joy. And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done”.
I want to pray this Benediction at church one day.
Apologies, about the the prayer…
I meant to ask if you could please contribute a prayer for the 21 Sept service.
thanks,
ginger
Talofa lava Pastor Lui Ponifasio,
My name is Ginger Porter and I am currently working for the World Council of Churches in Geneva. Thanks for the wonderful thoughts and prayer.
I also heard your project on NiuFM called Paint Out Day.
Malo lava tau le taua lelei aua ni agaga mo le malo o le Atua.
I write with respect to request and enlist your help. I bring your attention to several projects I’m implementing in the Pacific on overcoming violence. The theme for our Pacific focus at the World Council of Churches is Witnessing to Gods Peace. The annual day of recognition is September 21, 2008.
Right now, I’m collecting art work from children and youth for an art competition (mainly a lot for awareness and to get the Pacific involved) due April 15 and if I could ask your help on sending in entries from your congregation and community. I’m also looking at some potential sponsors for prizes and funding for other activities.
Lastly, I am collecting prayers from the Pacific for the service September 21 and I am moved everytime I read the prayer above. Could I ask for your contribution through the prayer above to be used as a prayer from the Pacific for the International Day of Prayer for Peace in Geneva? The prayers will be printed and distributed globally.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Faafetai,
-ginger