I dunno if I posted this. It is the prayer that was said over me at my ordination. It is wonderful and says more than I could about how I understand my ordination.
Peace to all.
Most holy God,
Before you today kneels one who has heard your call in his heart. Before you kneels one in whom this faith community has seen evidence of that call and gifts for ministry. One we have chosen to trust for leadership saying: "teach us, lead us, care for us, minister to us and to others with the Word and Table."
And so now we lay our hands upon him, setting him aside for the work of the Gospel ministry... Knowing that he cannot do this through his own power.
Holy God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, look upon your servant Tripp and grant him the spirit of your grace and the wisdom of a pastor, that he may guide your people with a pure heart.
May love for you and love for your people be the only motives for his ministry.
Grant him the fortitude of Moses, and the joy of Miriam.
May he have the courage of Deborah, and the insight of Paul..
Bless him with the trusting faith of Mary and the enthusiasm of Peter.
May he encourage others like Barnabas, and serve them like Martha.
Lord God,
May Tripp have the confidence to lead and the humility to admit his mistakes. Let him never substitute preaching and teaching for his own life of prayer. Surround him with friends and loved ones who will encourage him when ministry is difficult, and who will keep him honest.
Let him nover forget, in the midst of this high and holy calling, that he is...first and forever...your beloved child.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.