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Blessings for the Journey

We offer you these words from our Friday, March 13, chapel service as we begin the spring break week. Blessings to you during spring break whether you are traveling or will be staying here in the Twin Cities.

WELCOME & INVOCATION

Grace and peace to you, pilgrims on the journey following in the way of Christ.

Today, our liturgy was going to be focused on prayers of blessing for travelers heading out on Spring Break journeys. We were going to offer special prayers for travel groups, sports teams, and classes all striking out on various adventure. Then, Covid-19. And plans changed. Travel cancelled. Hopes delayed.

Yet, here we are gathering around a word of promise that no matter our journeys ahead – changed or unchanged, near or far – It is God who goes with us, it is God who leads us in right paths for God’s name sake…it is God who is our rod, our staff, our comfort. It is God walks alongside us as we disperse from Augsburg amid uncertainty in the world; yet, we are certain that the goodness and mercy of God will follow us each and every day of the journey.

So we gather now to sing, to hear the promise of God’s presence, to pray for those who are traveling as some trips headed out, and bless us all as we prepare to leave, that we may go out with good courage knowing that God in Christ Jesus goes with us.

PRAYER

Let us pray.

God of the journey, you kept Abraham and Sarah in safety throughout the days of their pilgrimage; you led the children of Israel through the midst of the sea; and by a star you led the Magi to the infant Jesus. Protect and guide those who set out to travel; make their ways safe and their homecomings joyful.

We pray in this time of uncertainty and health crisis around the world for hospitals, nursing homes, and other health facilities seeking to provide care;

for the leaders responding and making difficult decisions, especially at the World Health Organization, the CDC, and the Minnesota Health Department;

calm fears among us and others on college campuses and in elementary, middle and high schools give patience to us all, grant guidance for administrators making decisions;

strengthen local governments, officials, and politicians – that their decisions for public safety also recognize the humanity and beloved-ness of us all.

Tend, O God, to those who are ill, who are quarantined,

whose lives are upended by the corona virus.

Bring healing, bring restoration, bring wholeness to communities.

Help us to realize that you are with us at all times and in all things;

that your loving grace in Christ Jesus enfolds us today, tomorrow, and always.

Amen.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Deuteronomy 31:8
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Proverb 3:5-6,
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

Jeremiah 29:11
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

SPRING BREAK PRAYER

 

As many prepare for their Spring Break Journey:
we pray for safe travel in cars, buses, plane or boat. We pray for caution and no one driving distracted

The only work you are required now to do is to give your most intense attention to God’s still, small voice within.

May god bless us with strength for the journey.

Protection and guidance from all hurt, harm or danger.

May we experience renewal, rest, peace, joy, and self-care in God’s love.

May God bless the earth beneath our feet,
Bless the path whereon we may go;
Bless the space we rest our head.

We pray that everyone will be able to make it where they need to go safely. In your name, we pray. Amen.

BENEDICTION

May Christ be the power and wisdom of God to you.
And may the Holy Spirit keep your, thoughts and words,

in God’s good grace.

We go in peace to love and serve the Lord,

In the name of Christ. Amen.