Image Source = Jeff Belmonte

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Wedding_rings.jpg)

Prayer Source = The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church (1939-1965) and The United Methodist Church (1968-)

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O God our heavenly Father,

on this anniversary of the day when we were made one in holy matrimony,

we give thee heartfelt thanks for thy blessing upon us then,

and for thy continual mercies until now.

We thank thee that with the passing days thou hast increased and deepened our love for each other.

We praise thee for all the joys of our home and family life.

Renew thy blessings upon us now, we beseech thee,

as we renew our vows of love and loyalty;

and may thy Holy Spirit strengthen us that me may ever remain steadfast in our faith and your service:

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

A Protestant Church Building, the United States of America

Image in the Public Domain

From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Everloving God, to your glory we celebrate the dedication/consecration of this house of prayer; we praise you for the many blessings you have given to those who worship here; may all who seek you in this place find you, and, being filled with the power of your Spirit, become a living temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.  Amen.

or

The heaven of heavens is yours, O God, your Spirit rules the world; you are everywhere and in everything we do; bless this house for us to be your symbol in the world.  Amen.

1 Kings 8:22-30

Psalm 84 or Psalm 122

1 Peter 2:1-10

John 2:13-22

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Jesus, you are here for us, who gather in your name; lead us on in faith to reach out in hope, in self-denying, cross-bearing love to build your church.  Amen.

or

(for a synod)

Everloving God, you have given your Holy Spirit to your church to lead us into all truth; bless with your Spirit’s gracious presence the members of this synod; keep us/them steadfast and united in love, that we/they may reveal your glory and prepare the way for your commonwealth of love; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.  Amen.

or

(for a conference)

Gracious and eternal God, you guide those who trust you, you give us light upon our path; give us in all our uncertainties the wisdom to know your way, that by your Spirit at work in us we may not stumble, but walk in your truth; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.  Amen.

Numbers 9:15-23 or Micah 6:6-8

Psalm 19:7-14 or Psalm 25:1-9

2 Corinthians 4:1-10 or Philippians 2:1-11

Luke 14:27-33 or John 15:1-8

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Almighty God, you have built up your Church through the love and devotion of your saints; we give you thanks for your servant ___________, whom we commemorate today.  Inspire us to follow his/her example that like him/her we may in our day rejoice in the vision of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Proverbs 8:1-11 or Micah 6:6-8 or Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 2:1-11

Psalm 34 or Psalm 119:1-8

2 Corinthians 4:11-18 or Ephesians 6:11-18 or Philippians 4:4-9

Matthew 19:16-21 or Matthew 25:31-46 or Luke 6:17-23

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From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

O God, make the doorway of this house wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship; narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride, and strife.  Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children, or barrier to the elderly and disabled.  Let its door be rugged and strong to turn back the tempter’s power, but open and inviting to those who are your guests.  God, make this house the doorway to your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Lord God, you have surrounded us with so great a cloud of witnesses.  Grant that we may [enccouraged by the example of your servant/s N.], may persevere in the course that is set before us and, at the last, share in your eternal joy with all the saints in light, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Micah 6:6-8

Psalm 9:1-10

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Luke 6:20-23

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Gracious God, in every age you have sent men and women who have given their lives in witness to your love and truth.  Inspire us with the memory of N., whose faithfulness led to the way of the cross, and give us courage to bear full witness with our lives to your Son’s victory over sin and death, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Ezekiel 20:40-42

Psalm 5

Revelation 6:9

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

God of grace and glory, we praise you for your servant/s N., who made the good news known [in X].  Raise up, we pray, in every country, heralds of your gospel, so that the world may know the immeasurable riches of your love, and be drawn to worship you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Isaiah 62:1-7

Psalm 48

Romans 10:11-17

Luke 24:44-53

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Almighty God, we praise you for your servant/s N., through whom you have called the church to its tasks and renewed its life.  Raise up in our own day teachers and prophets inspired by your Spirit, whose voices will give strength to your church and proclaim the reality of your reign, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Jeremiah 1:4-10

Psalm 46

1 Corinthians 3:11-23

Mark 10:35-45

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Heavenly Father, shepherd of your people, we thank you for your servant N., who was faithful in the care and nurture of your flock.  We pray that, following his/her example and the teaching of his/her holy life, we may by you grace attain our full maturity in Christ, through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

OR

Almighty God, you have raised up faithful bishops of your church, including your servant N. May the memory of his/her life be a source of joy for us and a bulwark of our faith, so that we may serve and confess your name before the world, so that we may serve  and confess your name before the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Ezekiel 34:11-16 or Acts 20:17-35

Psalm 84

1 Peter 5:1-4 or Ephesians 3:14-21

John 21:15-17 or Matthew 24:42-47

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Almighty God, your Holy Spirit gives to me the word of knowledge, and to another the insight of wisdom, and to another the steadfastness of faith.  We praise you for the gifts of grace imparted to your servant N., and we pray that by his/her teaching we may be led to a fuller knowledge of the truth we have seen in your Son Jesus, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Proverbs 3:1-7 or Wisdom 7:7-14

Psalm 119:89-104

1 Corinthians 2:6-10, 13-16 or 1 Corinthians 3:5-11

John 17:18-23 or Matthew 13:47-52

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From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace.  So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your name. Amen.

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From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

O God, through the ages you called women and men to the diaconate in your church.   Let your blessing rest now on all who answer that call.  Grant them understanding of the gospel, sincerity of purpose, diligence in ministry, and the beauty of life in Christ, that many people will be served and your name be glorified; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

God, confront us in this time of worship.

Confront us with the fears we hold so tightly, the favorite sins to which we cling.

Confront us with our closedness.

Knock at all the locked doors of our hearts.

Do not let us rest until you gain entrance.

Tell us the painful truth about ourselves that we might receive the truth of Christ–the very truth that will set us free.

Amen.

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From the Book of Common Worship (1993), of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):

God of our lives, by the power of your Holy Spirit we have been drawn together by one baptism into one faith, serving one Lord and Savior.  Do not let us tear away from one another through division or hard argument.  May your peace embrace our difference, preserving us in unity, as one body in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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I have modernized language and modified some punctuation from The Book of Worship of Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church.

O Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to break down every wall of partition, and you created in him unity by reconciling all people to yourself in one body through the cross.  Hear us, we beseech you, who maintain old walls, and build new ones, so separating ourselves from the other and bringing the cross to open shame.  Remove far from us, we pray, all false pride and worldly ambition, that being kindly affectioned one toward another, and in honor preferring one another, we may worship you in spirit and in truth, one people of God; to the glory of your holy name.  Amen.

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I have updated archaic language and altered some punctuation from The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church.

O Lord Jesus Christ, you prayed that your Church might be one as you and the Father are one.  Make us who profess one Lord, one faith, and one Baptism, to be of one heart and of one mind.  Deliver us from blindness and prejudice, from intolerance and evil-speaking, that, joined in one holy bond of faith and charity, we may be reconciled to one another, and so make your praise glorious; through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.  Amen.

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From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

Holy God, giver of peace, author of truth: we confess that we are divided and at odds with one another, that a bad spirit has risen among us, and set us against your Holy Spirit of peace and love.  Take from this congregation mistrust, party spirit, contention, and all evil that now divides us.  Work in us a desire for reconciliation, so that, putting aside personal grievances, we may go about your business with a single mind, devoted to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

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From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

Most holy God, your majesty is exceeded only by your love; grant us, in this our worship of you, penitence in the presence of your holiness, reverence at the thought of your majesty, and confidence in the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prophet Jeremiah, from the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican, by Michelangelo

Image Source = Wikipedia

Language modernized and some punctuation altered from The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church:

O God, you have taught us the joy of serving you and have given us an earnest of the peace that passes understanding.  Fill us also with righteous discontent, that we may be perfectly at rest while injustice is done to your people, and your children cry out in anguish.  Grant us so to desire your kingdom, as a pearl of great price, that we may discern the signs of its coming upon earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Language updated and some punctuation altered from The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church:

Almighty God, you have proclaimed your eternal truth by the voice of prophets and evangelists.  Direct and bless, we beseech you, those who in this our generation speak where many listen and write what many read.  May they do their part in making the heart of the people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous.  To the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Statue of a Traveler, Oviedo, Spain

Image Source = Wikipedia

From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

We pray for those soaring into the skies, sailing across the seas, and driving on the roads.

Give strength and wisdom to all who use the machines of travel, and those who have responsibility for other people’s lives.

Save us from selfishness and from taking undue risks; give us patience and the ability to move in this world in peace.

We ask this for our health’s sake, and for the glory of the Lord of life, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Language modernized and altered otherwise from The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church:

Grant, O Lord, that we may so enjoy our vacation that our bodies may be strengthened, our minds renewed, and our energies quickened for the perfect freedom of your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Language updated and some punctuation altered from The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church:

O God, you order the common things of the common day.  Sanctify by your presence, and aid the trivial round and routine tasks of your servant whose hope is in you, that least duties may be grandly done and all activities marked with the seal of your righteousness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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Language updated and some punctuation altered from The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church:

O God, you have folded back the mantle of the night to clothe us in the golden glory of the day.  Chase from our hearts all gloomy thoughts, and make us glad with the brightness of hope, that we may effectively aspire to unwon virtues; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Sunset

This image came installed on my computer.

Language updated and some punctuation altered from The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church:

O Lord Jesus Christ, you are the very bright son of the world, ever rising, never going down.  Shine, we beseech you, upon our spirit, that the night of sin and error being drive away by your inward light, we may walk without stumbling, as in the day.  Grant this, O Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Ghost for evermore.  Amen.

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From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

O Lord our God, thank you for bringing this day to a close;

Thank you for giving us rest in body and soul.

Your hand has been over us and has guarded and preserved us.

Forgive our lack of faith and any wrong that we have done today, and help us to forgive all who who have wronged us.

Let us sleep in pace under your protection, and keep us from all the temptations of darkness.

Into your hands we commend our loved ones and all who dwell in this place;

We commend to you all that we are–body and soul.

O God, your holy name be praised.  Amen.

After the Book of Common Worship (1993), of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):

O Lord, by your holy prophets you taught your ancient people to seek the welfare of the cities in which they lived.  We commend our neighborhood to your care, that it might be kept free from social strife and decay.  Give us strength of purpose and concern for others, that we may create here a community of justice and peace where your will may be done; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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For Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

God of our daily lives:

We pray for the people of the cities of this world, working and without work; homeless and well housed; fulfilled or frustrated; confused and cluttered with material goods, or scraping a living from others’ leavings; angrily scrawling on walls, or reading the writing on the wall; lonely or living in community; finding their own space and respecting the space of others.

We pray for our sisters and brothers, mourning and celebrating.

May we share in their suffering and hope.

Amen.

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From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

Hear our prayer, compassionate God, for all whose lives are impoverished and beset by the problems of our inner cities.

Guide those in local and central government, the planners, the administrators, the decision makers; may the see the welfare of its citizens as the city’s highest good.

Raise up in such areas men and women of integrity and energy as leaders, ministers, and teachers; in industry and commerce, in health and social services, in the police and in all the work of community and industrial relations.

And this we ask for Jesus Christ’s sake.  Amen.

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From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

We thank you, creative God, for those whose work sustains our nation and this community in which we live; for all who create the wealth by which we trade, for those who grow and provide our food, or who in industry, commerce, and transport bring it to our homes.

We thank you for those who, day and night, maintain the public services; for the police, for those who respond to emergencies, and for all whose work is in health or healing or social care.

Teach us to remember that all our lives depend upon the work of many minds and hands; and we pray that we may live thankfully and in unity as members of one human family; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Language modernized and some punctuation altered from The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church:

Bless, O God, all the members of this our family and household, especially those who are absent from us.  Guard and preserve them in their going out and their coming in; keep them free from sin and safe from danger; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

OR

You are present in every place, and neither space nor distance can separate us from your love.  Give us to know that those, who are absent from each other are still present with you; and grant that, though separated, we may realize our communion with one another in the fellowship of your service, here and always; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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Language modernized and some punctuation altered from The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church:

O God, you are the strength and the protector of your people.  We humbly place in your hands the member of this family who is today about to leave us and enter a new sphere of life and work.  Keep and preserve him or her, O Lord, as it seems best to your divine wisdom and love, in all health and safety, both of body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

OR

We humbly commend to your care, O Lord, your servant about to leave this house and family, beseeching you that your grace and mercy may never fail him or her.  Succor him or her in temptation, preserve him or her in danger, and assist him or her in every good work, and further him or her continually in the right way.  Grant, we beseech you, your presence with us while we are absent one from another.  May our nearness to you make and keep us always aware of our nearness to one another.  In Jesus’ name and for his sake, we pray.  Amen.

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Language modernized and some punctuation altered from The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church:

O God, you set the solitary in families.  We pray for all who are without children or kin.  Relate them in life with those who need their strength and love, and make them one in the fellowship of the Spirit, in the Church of your dear Son.  Amen.

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker of heaven and earth.  From everlasting you are God, and our dwelling place in all generations.  You are the source of holy wisdom, and the fountain of all truth.  We give thanks to you for the elders among us.  We are graced by their wisdom and seasoning.  We are touched by their knowledge and faith.  Bless them, O God, as they are a blessing to us.  Pour out your Spirit, that our elders may continue to dream dreams and testify to the Light of their salvation, Jesus Christ.  May we find inspiration in their years of faithfulness.  May we follow their example by serving you with steadfastness and singleness of heart; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Gracious God, none who trust in your Son can be separated from your love.  Give to those who live alone peace and contentment with their solitude, hope and fulfillment in their love of you, and joy and companionship in their relations with others; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Triune God, whose will it is that humans live in community, bless family life everywhere and fill all homes with respect, joy, laughter, and prayer.  Strengthen the commitment of husbands and wives to one another, that they may mirror your covenant faithfulness; pour out your Spirit on parents, that through them their children may taste your unconditional love; and empower all family members to live in your grace and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Almighty God, with a mother’s love and a father’s care you have blessed us with the joy and responsibility of children.  As we bring them up, give us gracious love, calm strength, and patient wisdom, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of Jesus Christ, our Savior.  Amen.

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

God of all good gifts,your Son gathered children into his arms and blessed them.  Help us to understand our youth as they grow in years and in knowledge of your world. Give us compassion when they face temptations and experience failures.  Teach us to encourage their search with their frustrations; that with them we may look for a better world than either we or they have known; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

Everloving God, we bring to you in our prayers all whom we love, knowing that your love for them is so much greater than ours, and that your will for them is all that is for their good.  So, guard them in your keeping, O Lord, and give them now and always your richest blessing; for Jesus sake.  Amen.

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Merciful God, your healing power is everywhere about us.  Strengthen those who work among the sick; give them courage and confidence in all they do.  Encourage them when their efforts seem futile or when death prevails.  Increase their trust in your power even to overcome death and pain and crying.  May they be thankful for every sign of health you give, and humble before the mystery of your healing grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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From Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

God of earth and air, water and fire, height and depth, we pray for those who work in danger, who rush to bring hope and help when others flee in safety, whose mission is to seek and save, serve and protect, and whose presence embodies the protection of the Good Shepherd.  Give them caution and concern for one another, so that in safety they may do what must be done, under your watchful eye.  Support them in their courage and dedication that they may continue to save lives, ease pain, and mend the torn fabric of lives and social order; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

We remember, O God, with gratitude those who use the gifts with which you have enriched their lives to benefit others:

those who promote and encourage art and music;

those through whose endowments knowledge is increased and made freely available:

those who enable charitable organizations to continue their works of mercy;

those who ensure that the churches maintain their witness and that the gospel is offered without price;

those who make it possible for people to explore the secrets of the universe and share with others the healing mysteries.

From those to whom much is given, much will be expected.

May they be wise in the use of their gifts, offering them humbly without hope of gain, or self-seeking, or desire for recognition.  Amen.

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From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

Eternal God, you hold the times and seasons, endings and beginnings, in your hands.  Bless N., who now enters a new time of life.  We give you thanks for tasks accomplished, for the joys and pains woven into the fabric of his/her years.  Give N. the guidance of your Holy Spirit.  May days no longer filled with old obligations be free for new activities and associations.  May fears and uncertainties about the future be transformed into quiet confidence.  May each day be received as a sacred trust and lived to your glory, through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Amen.

An Eighth-Century Mosaic of Jesus from Ravenna, Italy

Image Source = Wikipedia

Language modernized from The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church:

O Lord, grant all who contend for the faith never to injure it by clamor and impatience, but, speaking your precious truth in love, so to present it that it may be loved, and that people may see in it your goodness and beauty; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Cane

Image Source = Sarah Chester

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Long_cane.jpg)

Language updated and some punctuation altered from The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church:

O God, you have sent your Son to be the true light.  Grant that they who cannot see the things of this world may be the more enlightened and comforted by his inward guidance.  Cheer them in their blindness with the sense of your presence, that, beholding you with increasing love, they may be conformed to your likeness, until they see you as you are, and awake to the full revelation of your glory.  Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.