Prayer of Blessing for Pastor Dan

Prayer of Blessing for Pastor Dan before his Sabbatical.  Thanks to David and Sandy Thompson who write it together.

Heavenly Father, 

Today we pray a simple prayer for Pastor Dan on this, his last service before his much needed Sabbatical.  Mark Buchanan, a spiritual writer and author said, "A bird flying, never nesting, is soon plummeting."  We pray that you will bless Pastor with peace, much needed rest, time to reconnect with his family, and a renewed heart. 

Father we know that sabbatical is an extended Sabbath.  We know that you rested on the seventh day, a period of rest and rejuvenation meant for us also as part of your creation.  We pray for safety in Pastor's time of rest whenever he travels - for his plans to fall into place, and for his mind to slow down.  We pray that Pastor is blessed with a time of spiritual peace and reflection sot ate he may again focus on all that is important to him.

Whatever he needs father, you're the one who can help him sort through act challenges and responsibilities he has taken and simplify these areas so that he may have more family time and more quiet time.  We pray for him to be surrounded by your infinite wisdom in choosing his direction in serving.  

A sabbatical is a time for reflection, a time to refocus, and a time to do nothing. It is a time of rest from labors and it means letting go of daily work and responsibilities so Pastor can stop and year you.

Father we pray for Pastor to have the time he needs to heal his soul with comfort, to not have to rush and to realize that all things do not have to depend on him.  Like all of us, he can only do so much.  His spirit needs time to focus on family, his home, his garden and in the stillness and quiet of his heart and mind, to know that you are God.

Father we pray for our church to remain faithful to one another in attendance, in giving, and serving; to remember that we are all followers of Christ.  We have so many people who are willing to step up and help with the Lord's work.  We pray for unity while Pastor is away and for the church to be healthy for his return.  All these things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.