Commissioning Service

On Sunday morning there was a small commissioning prayer at church before Steph and I left.
Here is the prayer courtesy of Pastor Steve

Father in heaven,

This is a really happy moment for all of us, but it’s a really hard moment too. And it’s happy and hard for exactly the same reasons. Father we have here before us some of the best gifts you’ve given us – a couple of our kids. They’re kids who belong not just to these parents, but to this whole church. And we’re really happy today because they know Jesus, and because they want to follow him, all the way to Uganda if that’s where he’s leading. And so we’re sending some of the best that you’ve given us to a place that’s experienced some of the worst that this broken world has to offer. And that’s where the happy and the hard parts get mixed up. We couldn’t be happier that they’re going, but it’s really hard to see them go. With their parents we pray for your constant care over them. Use them to do your will, and care for and protect them in all that they do. May their travels be safe, may their health remain good, may their work be productive. Father, we send them off with the words and promises of the Psalmist…

I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD watches over you--the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore.

As always, Father, we’re counting on your faithfulness. We pray these things in the name of your faithfulness personified, in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Lisa