A Prayer For the Installation Of A Pastor

 

Eternal God, creator of heaven and earth, who  in your infinite wisdom and grace established the  Church to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ to a violent and troubled   world, we thank you this morning for establishing this church, in this community some 63 years ago, that it might be as a light on the hill.  We thank you for its rich history and for its present congregation of your people.  We thank you for their faith and their faithfulness.  We thank you for their prayers and their passion for their community.  We thank you for their love of one another, for you have written in your Word that “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”  We thank you for your providence and your provisions, which have made possible, the fulfilling of the hopes and dreams of these your people.

 

 We pray for your blessing on Dr. Horton whom you have called to lead and shepherd this congregation.  May they walk and work together as the disciples on the road to Emmaus did, on resurrection Sunday long ago.  And may they also encounter the resurrected Christ and be enlightened by Him and together with Him, break the bread that feeds the hungry, frees the enslaved, and gives eternal life to all who believe.  Heavenly Father, may their love of one another make it possible for them to do great things in this community, in this city, in this county and throughout the world.  And if ever the Evil One should seek to divide them or lead them into ways You do not want them to go, enlighten them and sustain them and unite them in love for one another and for You.  

 

 We ask not that you would make them great in numbers but rather great in passion; not great in the eyes of men, but great in ministry to the world;  never satisfied with mediocrity but always striving for the excellence which is worthy of Your blessing.

 

Grant that future generations will look back and thank you for  a loving pastor and a loving congregation which showed love to a loveless world.

 

 This we pray in the name of Jesus, the head and Lord of the church.  And all God’s people said “Amen”.