Sometimes people will say a prayer or blessing at the end of a church service or gathering that they want people to walk away with and contemplate. In some ways it’s kind of like a toast at a wedding with good wishes, to put it in different terms. Here’s one that I heard recently that I really resonate with:
“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 from pain, rejection, starvation, and war
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain to joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in this world
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done.”
~ A Franciscan Benediction
(unsure of the source)