A Blessing on Social Interactions

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“O God,
you visit the humble
and comfort us with the love of our friends.
Graciously bless our fellowship,
that through those in whom you dwell,
we may feel that you fave come to visit us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

O God,
you show us signs of your presence.
Pour on us the Spirit of love,
that with the presence of our friends and coworkers
we may be blessed by your bountiful grace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

  • Found in The New Ancient Collects: Based on Ancient Collects and Other Prayers Selected for Devotional Use from Various Rituals by William Bright, Completely Revised and Refreshed by Paul C. Stratman (2017).

Jewish Blessing of the Mourners

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“Those who are worn out and crushed by this mourning, let your hearts consider this:
this is the path that has existed from the time of creation and will exist forever.
Many have drunk from it and many will yet drink.
As was the first meal, so shall be the last.
May the master of comfort comfort you.
Blessed are those who comforts the mourners.”

A Prayer For the Diversity of Races and Cultures

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“O God,
you created all people in your image.
We thank you for the astonishing variety
of races and cultures in this world.
Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of friendship,
and show us your presence
in those who differ most from us,
until our knowledge of your love is made perfect
in our love for all your children;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

(Author Unknown)

  • Found at Jesuit Resources

A Diversity Blessing

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“May the God who created a world of diversity and vibrancy,
Go with us as we embrace life in all its fullness.

May the Son who teaches us to care for stranger and foreigners,
Go with us as we try to be good neighbors in our communities.

May the Spirit who breaks down our barriers and celebrates community,
Go with us as we find the courage to create a place of welcome for all.”

(Attributed to Clare McBeath and Tim Presswood)

  • Found at Jesuit Resources

A Poem of Blessing by John O’Donohue

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“May your work never weary you.
May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in the bland absences.
May the day never burden you.
May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises.
May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.”

— John O’Donohue —

"The Celtic Blessing"

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“May the roads rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

(A traditional Celtic blessing, taken from the Interfaith Ministry Handbook)

You're Blessed

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“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.”