A liturgy for those who send us off.
Will You pour out blessings
on those who give up
family
or friend
for Harvest’s sake?
When they send us across an ocean,
around the globe,
or a world away,
may our empty place in their lives
be filled with Presence.
Color in their loneliness
with people who give
and receive.
When they send us across a border
and into unknown situations,
may they work out their worries on their knees
with thanksgiving.
When news of disease or disaster comes from afar,
calm their unsettled hearts
and fill them with inexplicable peace,
the special kind found only in You.
When they receive good news
from this distant land,
about light and love,
about Your strength perfected in our weakness,
may their spirits be moved
to bow in surrender
with great rejoicing.
When they manage
our left behind possessions,
money,
people,
pets and plants,
may their minds be wise,
their energy full,
and their patience unending.
May this participation in Harvest
bring them purpose.
When they are broken
in body, mind, or spirit…
You were pierced,
beaten,
crushed
so that they could be whole.
Will You pour out blessings
on those who give up
family
or friend
for Harvest’s sake?
May they receive in return
one hundred times what they lose.
An extra measure of goodness,
full and running over
in this life
and countless treasures
for the one to come.
Amen.
