May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships,
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done,
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen
I chose this to serve as the Benediction for Summer Break as our two teens return to school tomorrow. May this be true for them and each of us. Lord Jesus Christ, in your mercy, hear my prayer!
Philip Yancey in Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) 105.