The following is the blessing I used at the conclusion of our Harvest Service last night at which Alan Carson spoke about the work of Storehouse in seeking to address the needs of the poor in Belfast. I adapted this from a prayer I previously pointed out in one of my Saturday Supplements, but when I went back to check it out on the original website, it is mysteriously suspended "for billing reasons." It was listed there as a Fourfold Franciscan blessing, but is to be found elsewhere as a Benedictine blessing. Wherever it emanated from, this Wesleyan thought it worthwhile posting here in my amended form:
May God bless you with discomfort. Discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger. Anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen
May God bless you with tears. Tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, hunger and conflict, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and help turn their pain into joy.
May God bless you with foolishness. Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen
Shalom
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