Blessing for the Meal

Pastor Alexis Ward Owens

Joshua 1:9 (ceb)

9 I’ve commanded you to be brave and strong, haven’t I? Don’t be alarmed or terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

THIS DAY WE SAY GRATEFUL

It is a strange thing
to be so bound
and so released
all in the same moment,
to feel the heart
open wide
and wider still,
even as it turns
to take its leave.
On this day,
let us say
this is simply the way
love moves
in its ceaseless spiraling,
turning us toward
one another,
then sending us
into what waits for us
with arms open wide to us
in welcome
and in hope.
On this day,
in this place
where you have
poured yourself out,
where you have been
emptied
and filled
and emptied again,
may you be aware
more than ever
of what your heart
has opened to
here,
what it has tended
and welcomed
here,
where it has broken
in love and in grief,
where it has given
and received blessing
in the unfathomable mystery
that moves us,
and remakes us,
finally,
for joy.
This day
may you know
this joy
in full measure.
This day
may you know
this blessing
that gathers you in
and sends you forth
but will not
forget you.
Oh hear us
as this day
we say
grace,
this day
we say
grateful,
this day
we say
blessing,
this day
we release you
into God’s keeping
and hold you
in gladness
and love.

—Jan Richardson from How the Stars Get in Your Bones: A Book of Blessings janrichardson.com/books

Scripture discussion

What words or phrases stick out to you in this poem? And what emotions, memories, or current life situations come to the surface because of this word/phrase?
What kinds of fears or anxieties do you wrestle with when you start something new? Whether it is a new school year, new job, new season of life, etc?
How can the RISE community support you in this new season? Or if you don’t particularly feel like you’re in a new season right now, how can you support others who are?

SENDING PRAYER

God, as we start this new school year, help us remember Your words in Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous… because the Lord our God will be with us wherever we go.”

Give us courage when things feel hard, wisdom to make good choices, and kindness toward the people around us. Help us not to be afraid of what’s ahead, because we know You’re with us every step of the way.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

REMEMBER - YOU ARE A GIFT!

If you would like to connect more deeply with RISE, you can start by submitting this short form to Get Connected!
You might also consider:

Sign up for texting services:
- Text “RISE” to 833-803-0868 to join the primary list and receive weekly community updates and alerts
- Text “RISEcares” to receive prayer requests, care needs, and community concerns and celebrations
Requests for care and/or prayer can be sent via e-mail to cares@riseharrisonburg.org, texted to 833-803-0868, or submitted online via our RISE Cares form.

Get Connected!