20th Ordination Anniversary
Prayer for Father Peter
June 6, 2007
Dear Friends,
On this day twenty years ago, the Christ Church family celebrated the ordination of Peter Ingeman. Seven years ago on Sept. 28th, when he came to us as our Rector, we again joined together in convenant, rejoicing in the gift of a faithful pastor, a patient teacher, and a wise councilor. So tonight as we celebrate the anniversary of his priesthood, I ask that we pray together in thanksgiving and in blessing.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We give you thanks for calling Peter to the priesthood,
for nourishing us from the riches of God’s grace.
We give you thanks for his loving and supportive ministry
and for his selfless dedication to the church.
And we give thanks for Happy, for her generous heart and open hands. As she has shared her love, so shower her with your love and blessings.
And we pray especially for Peter:
May the Father of life pour out His grace upon you,
may you feel His hand in everything you do
and be strengthened by the things He brings you through.
May the Son of God be Lord in all your ways;
may he shepherd you the length of all your days,
and in your heart may He receive the praise.
We pray that His grace will abound
and shine through everything you do;
that the fullness of His love be shared through you.
May His Spirit comfort you, and make you strong,
and may in your heart He give you a song.
This is our prayer for you.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.+
[Adapted from a Celtic blessing.]