An Outline for Worship with Examples and Options for Adaptation and Use
Prepared by the National Council of the Churches of Christ
Benediction/Blessing
I. And now may the courage of the early morning's dawning,
And the strength of the eternal hills at noontime,
And the peace of the open spaces at evening's ending,
And the love of God,
Abide in your hearts now and forever, Amen.
(Source: "For All Who Minister," A Worship Manual for the Church of the Brethren, Brethren Press, Elgin, IL, 1993, p. 122. Used by permission.)
II. Eternal God,
our beginning and our end,
be our starting point and our heaven
and accompany us in this day's journey.
Use our hands
to do the work of your creation
and use our lives
to bring others the new life you give this world in Jesus Christ, Redeemer of all.
Amen.
(Source: "In Spirit and in Truth: A Worship Book," World Council of Churches' Seventh Assembly, Canberra, Australia, 1991, p. 30. Used by permission.)
III. The earth is precious to God, and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its Creator. So love it . . . care for it . . . and with all your mind, with all your heart, preserve it for your children and love . . . as God loves us all.
(Chief Seattle, 1855)
IV. May every living creature abound in peace.
May every living being, weak or strong, great of small,
Seen or unseen, far or near,
May all have peace.
(Source: Montreal Peacemaking Conference, 1990. Used by permission.)