a blessing for the pastors

Blessed are the wounded healers,
those who serve others
in the midst of their own fear
and pain, doubt and loss.

God, may they know that
they are not alone,
that you are here.

May they feel your love
poured out for them
so profusely, so personally,
that love overflows to you in return.

Grant them the encouragement
they need that will set them on
a joyful path of service.

Provide rest for their bodies,
nourishment for their souls,
and a trusted friend
for life’s most perplexing questions.

Guide them in practical ways
as they seek to
lead in uncertainty,
comfort people in their sickness,
console them in their grief,
and celebrate life’s greatest joys.

Grant them grace to know, somehow,
yours is an economy
of compounding love,
of more-than-enoughness.
May it be so.