What’s in a Benediction?

May God’s Spirit swirl all around you
And leave you with a grin
And may that grin turn into a smile
And may that smile turn into an act of kindness
And together, we will be a chorus of love
Empowered to be the hands of Christ in our community
Go now with God’s blessing
And in God’s peace

Over the past few months, several people have asked me where our weekly benediction comes from. I wrote it. And since you asked, I’ll tell you how it came about.

In all the churches I’ve been a part of, both as a lay person and as a minister, there’s always been a standard benediction. It’s not that I didn’t like the ones I’ve heard, it’s just that I wanted something original. Something that made sense for me, and reflected the personality of the congregation I served. And something I could remember without a prompt. And something that I wanted to say more than once. And something the congregation would remember, too.

I think joy is paramount for worship. And paramount for life. And I think joy is what changes the world. Even the psalmist who cries from the depths, or hangs up her harp on the shores of Babylon, or walks through the darkest valley has known the goodness that comes from God’s love. And even in their most vulnerable state, they never lose hope in a divine force that is steadfast, merciful, and transformative. They wait with expectant hope.

Each Sunday morning, we seek to express our expectant hope in God’s possibilities. And we believe that such an expression has the power to move us into collective action, to be God’s agents in the world.

When I speak this benediction, I remember a playful, mysterious, and wise God. And I see the faces of saints moved by God’s spirit. And I remember all the choirs from former congregations. And I remember all the hands who’ve helped shape me. And I even took the ending from a church I served in seminary (thanks, Grace!).

And my grin turns into a smile. And my smiles turns into an act of kindness. And I join a chorus of love. And I hope you do, too!