It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Grandparents' Day

I'm reposting the GBOD suggestions for Grandparents' Day" to be celebrated this Sunday--in the US--I don't know about the rest of you.

Included on this site are worship resources including these prayers:
Prayer of Thanksgiving for Grandparents/Elders

God of Abraham and Sarah,
grandfather and grandmother in the faith
God of all generations:
We thank you today for those who are grandparents/elders.
We especially thank you for those who are grandparents to us —
those who are grandparents by blood relationships, and
those unrelated but older than we
who generously share
their love and wisdom,
their time and traditions
so that we have roots, stories, and hope.
We bless you for the gift of grandparents,
and we ask your blessing on them,
that their days may be filled
with delight in their grandchildren.
May their giving and grace toward younger generations
bring fulfillment to them
and may they be a blessing
to all they love and call grandchildren,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

A Congregational Act of Blessing
The pastor or lay leader may ask grandparents to stand and ask their grandchildren, if present, to hold their hands. The leader may pray the prayer with all saying "Amen," or it may be printed so all pray it aloud.

Eternal God,
faithful, merciful, tender, and stern,
you are the God of all generations:
Bless our grandparents/elders [if appropriate, list each by first name].
May they know your call to share their wisdom
and faith with us.
May they have courage and confidence
to hand on your gifts
of experience and knowledge
of stories, songs, and memories.
May they continue to learn and grow with us as good stewards of your world.
May they delight in the wonder of each day.
Bless them with length of days and joy at the last,
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

A Prayer of Grandparents

This prayer might be prayed by grandparents/elders in public worship or in family settings.

God of wonder and life,
we bless you that from one generation to another
you hold us in a web of relationships.
We rejoice in our children's children.
We rejoice in all children you prompt us to call "grand."
We thank you for the delight of touch and love expressed.
We thank you for the uniqueness of all the fun and little of the responsibility.*
We thank you
for songs to sing and Play Dough to shape,
for laughter at silly stories,
for moments of recognition,
for hugs to give,
for wisdom to share,
and for knowing when we must simply pray silently.
Lead us in forming faith with our grandchildren
so that with them and all your people
we may be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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