Farewell and Godspeed
FAREWELL AND GODSPEED FOR ONE LEAVING FOR MILITARY DUTY
The following rite was sent to the WELS Worship Office in late February 2003 by Pastor Kevin Hundley. We thank him for sharing his work. This rite may be used to bid farewell and Godspeed to a person who is leaving for prolonged military service.
This rite may precede the Prayer of the Church.
The one who is leaving comes forward.
M: People of God, ________, our (brother / sister) in Christ, is about to leave to carry out his duties of serving and defending our nation as a member of the United States military. His mission will take him to the distant land(s) of (country or region).
As we bid him farewell and Godspeed, let us hear the Word of our Lord.
The following or other portions of Scripture are read.
Additional selections include Psalm 46:1-3, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 28:20b.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands (Isaiah 49:15-16).
If you make the Most High your dwelling – even the LORD, who is my refuge – then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways (Psalm 91:9-11).
M: As ________ prepares for his difficult task, let us call on the Lord for encouragement, strength, and protection.
PRAYER
M: Merciful and protecting Father, Lord of all nations, we thank you for raising up people like ________ whose vocation is to protect us and the people of our nation, so we might live in peace and proclaim your promises in safety. Bless and protect him with your almighty hand. Send your holy angels to guard him in his mission.
While he is away, bless the lives of (spouse, children, parents, others). Cover them, Lord, with your hand of peace and fill them with the confidence that your grace rests on them, just as it rests on ________ as he is away. Use members of (this parish) to support and encourage his family.
Lord, we ask you to return him safely and quickly to us, so that together we may praise your holy name. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: Amen.
The pastor blesses the person.
M: _________, go in peace, confident that your Lord will be with you.
The Almighty and merciful God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – go with you to protect you as you faithfully serve him and the people of our nation.
C: Amen.
The one who is leaving returns to his place.