Here are four prayers (two opening and two closing) that I have used for annual meetings. Please feel free to recite them directly, adapt them, or use them as jumping off points for your own creation.
Opening One –
Holy One, As we enter into our meeting today, let us turn our attention to you. Let us listen with the intent to understand, even if we disagree. Let us wonder about purpose. Let us ask questions to learn. Let us look for the Spirit who guides us and for your son’s footprints in our work. Let us, with intention, seek you in all we do. We give thanks for all that you have done through us and look forward to where you may lead us next. AMEN
Closing One –
Gracious God, We thank you for this time together. We are thankful for the good work that these gathered people have done over the past year. We pray that as we go forward, we will continue to serve you well and, in your name, the community of Wolfeboro and beyond. May you bless all who are here today and those that were not able to be present. May we all work together to continue to manifest your kin-dom* in this world. AMEN
*For information on the use of the word “kin-dom” see the work of Ada María Isasi-Díaz.
Opening Two –
Holy creator God,
As we gather to do the business of the church, we pause to pray.
Remind us of our purpose.
Encourage us to listen and speak with good intention.
Help us to honor those who came before us without being shackled to bygone ways.
Inspire us to make your church new for every generation.
May we translate numbers and columns into people and missions and may we honor your and each other in our time today. AMEN
Closing Two –
Wondrous God, who weaves creation,
Thank you for the attention and intention we brought to today’s meeting.
We give thanks to all who worked toward, wrote for, and reported in today’s meeting.
We celebrate the mission and ministry this church.
We pray for our continued work in this particular place and time.
We praise you and hope that all we do and say honors you.
Bless all who gave up their time to be here today.
May we all continue to be church in all we do. AMEN
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Wandering and Wondering 