Prayer for the Journey

The following prayer was written by Shirley Folkerts, Worship Leader at Trinity Church. It was prayed by Paul Koets, Vice President of Consistory, at the end of Easter Sunday worship. Easter was Jon's last sermon in the pulpit before beginning the sabbatical. Paul had worshipers near Jon lay their hands on him. Following the prayer, the congregation read the Aaronic Blessing.

Thank you, Father, for Pastor Jon. Thank you for his faithful service among us and for the opportunity you have provided for him to spend some time away from the normal day-to-day tasks of ministry. We pray for the entire Opgenorth family. Protect and provide for Jon, Ann, Lauren, Nicole, Andrew and Julie. You know their needs much better than we do, and we trust you to meet their individual and family needs during this time. We give you thanks for Jon and Ann’s eighteen years of marriage today. We celebrate with them and rejoice in your goodness. Continue to demonstrate your love and faithfulness to them. Make this Sabbatical a time for them to grow closer to each other and to you. Bless them as you have us, by allowing them to serve you in this place.

During this sabbatical, bless Pastor Jon as he explores what you are doing around the world. Give him safety, health and inspiration as he travels. Give him eyes to see your work here and around the world, and inspire him with your vision for our involvement in that work. May he daily be awed by you in surprising ways; and when you open his eyes to the needs of desperate people, may he set his gaze on the empty cross and cry out to you for mercy on their behalf. Make him a messenger of peace and hope to those who partner with him in spreading the gospel.

During this sabbatical, we ask that you not only care for Pastor Jon’s physical body, but also his spirit. Give him days and nights of rest and contented reflection as he spends purposeful time with you. When he has questions, turn his face towards you; when you provide answers, solidify them with much confirmation; and when the answers do not seem so clear, give him confidence in your presence and a humble patience with you, Holy Spirit, as you mold and shape him for the next leg of his journey in life and ministry in this place.

And so, Father, we send Pastor Jon on sabbatical with open hands lifted in prayer, eager to receive what you would give him through this time. Upon his return, may we lift our hands together in prayer once again and rejoice in your unfailing goodness and almighty faithfulness. To you be praise and glory! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.