Archive for the ‘prayer’ Category

Liturgy of Blessing for Sage Eleanor

October 29th, 2011

When my son was born my husband and I wrote a liturgy capturing things we hoped and prayed for him. It was our way of blessing him and claiming certain qualities that we wanted for his life. We have prayed it with him on each of his birthdays, each time making minor adjustments to it to capture our prayers for that current year. It has been a really beautiful and powerful experience. As soon as I found out I was pregnant with Sage I knew I wanted to do the same for her. So, we started talking, praying, dreaming and, of course, writing. And we again ended up with a liturgy of blessing that captures so much of our heart for this child.

Last weekend we prayed through this liturgy with a small group of people and today I wanted to share it with all of you.

Blessing for Sage Eleanor Stedman

Celebrant:
“The blessing of Christ comes to you in this child.
His blessing is mercy and kindness and joy.
Blessing comes to home and to family.”

Celebrants together:
Joy come to you through this child.

Mother and father together:
Joy come to all through this gift.

Mother:
Begotten through love she is birthed into loving arms.
Shaped in darkness she comes forth in light.
Formed in secret she is fully known.

Celebrant:
May She smile with the light of the sun.

Celebrant:
May She dance to the song of the stars.

Celebrant:
May She move with the grace of the moon.

Father:
She is light, joy, and wisdom.

Celebrant:
Light shines on the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart. Psalm 97:11

Grandmother:
God’s light shine on you, child.

Father and Mother:
We bless you, sweet daughter.

Father:
I bless you, my daughter, may you laugh joyfully with the sun.
As the warmth of the sun Brings health, growth, energy, and delight to all those who bath in it’s rays,
may you bring healing to the hurting,
inspire growth in the floundering,
lend energy to the weak,
and bring delight to all those who meet you.

Mother:
May your judgement be unclouded, your intuition vivid, your contemplations enlightened.

Celebrant:
Joy of salvation be upon you.

Celebrant:
With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3

Father and mother:
We bless you, loved child.

Mother:
I bless you, my daughter, May you dance lightly with the stars.
As a stars light only reaches it’s full potential when combined with the light of others,
may you always surround yourself with others who shine of light and love and equality.

Father:
May you be open and inviting towards all you meet, welcoming all into your heart with a gentle and contagious joy.

Celebrant:
The light of Gods presence be upon you.

Celebrant:
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, LORD.
They rejoice in your name all day long;
they celebrate your righteousness. Psalm 89:15-16

Father and mother:
We bless you, precious gift.

Father:
I bless you, my daughter, may you sing wisely with the moon.
As the light of the full moon is luminous, reflective, and far seeing,
may you be luminous with a subtle yet radiant beauty,
insightful and keen to pick up on things that are missed by others,
and far seeing in your ability to comprehend and understand that which is beyond comprehension.

Mother:
May you be wise beyond your years and joyful beyond your circumstances.

Celebrant:
Wisdom of heaven be upon you.

Celebrant:
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19:7-8

Father and mother:
We ask that Gods blessing be upon this child and His loving arms always around her.

Grandfather:
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.
May the foot of the proud not come against [this little one],
nor the hand of the wicked drive [her] away. Psalm 36:7-11

Father and Mother together:
We lift up this child to you, Lord.
We recognize that she is your gift to us and that we are only stewards of her.

Grandparents:
“The blessing of Christ comes to you in this child.
His blessing is mercy and kindness and joy.
Blessing comes to home and to family.”

Father and mother:
We lift up this child to you, Lord.
And give her the name Sage Eleanor Stedman
And pray that she would live up to the meanings and significances of her name.

Father:
Sage means wise, prophet, and aromatic herb. We ask that God fill this child with wisdom. That she would be prophetic, and insightful. We also ask that she would be a sweet fragrance going up to the throne of grace. That she would be an aromatic blessing of joy and comfort for all who come in contact with her.

Mother:
Eleanor means light, or one who is bright, or God is my light. We ask That Gods light would fill and radiate out of this beautiful little girl. May she be a shining beacon of light amidst a world that can at times seem dark and disheartening. Eleanor also has another meaning. In Greek it can mean pity. You are not a pity, my daughter, and it is not a pity that you have entered our family. But, we do claim this as part of your name in a very specific manor. We pray that you would take pity, compassion, on all those who live in the darkness of hurt, anger, and discouragement, and that you would bring light and joy into their pain.

Celebrants together:
Welcome, Sage Eleanor Stedman,
child of love.
We welcome you with open arms and hearts of love.

(Open prayers for baby – whoever wants to can pray as they feel led)

Father:
Gods favor be upon you, daughter.

Celebrants together:
Gods favor be upon us all.
Amen.

Rejoicing in the journey -
Bethany Stedman

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Pregnancy Journal: Week 13

February 23rd, 2011

Some of you who have been reading my blog for a while may have picked up that during my first pregnancy (and so far during this pregnancy) my writing frequency significantly declined. I think some of that is due to just not feeling well and some of it is due to some difficult external things going on at the beginning of both of these pregnancies. It’s funny because usually when I stop writing it’s when I have more on my mind that I could write about, but just can’t seem to sort through it all – maybe when I’m feeling more, my heart takes over and my analytical brain can’t seem to keep up enough to put anything into words.

But, it’s often in those moments when it’s most difficult for me to write, when I feel like writing might be most helpful. So, I’m going to try something (and if you’ve been around a while you know I often try things and ditch them, so who knows how long this will last, but I’m gonna try). Basically, I want to try and write a bit of a pregnancy journal, or day book, once a week for a while. I’m going to give myself some sentences to finish, so that there’s a clear structure and I don’t have to just start with a blank screen and see if that helps me to formulate some words out of the tangled mess that is currently in my mind and heart.

So, here goes…

Pregnancy Journal: Week 13

I am seeing… piles and piles of STUFF…everywhere!! There are half packed boxes, half packed suitcases, giveaway piles, trash, toys, and clothing literally all over the place. There are dishes on the counter and I haven’t cleaned the house in more than two weeks. I’ll admit, I’m not the tidiest person anyway, and I will never win any prizes for my housekeeping, but I don’t think it’s ever been this bad. It’s slowly driving me crazy, but until I can start clearing out boxes and getting rid of the giveaway stuff, well, I think it’s just going to have to stay the way it is.

I am hearing… silence right now and it truly is golden! Thaddeus is finally taking a nap and for one of the first times in weeks he is taking a nap without wanting to nurse CONSTANTLY, so I could actually sneak away and enjoy the silence and write.

I am feeling… tired and stressed, but purposeful and hopeful too. I have been having major insomnia and Thaddeus hasn’t been sleeping well either, so exhaustion has been a regular feeling lately. I think yesterday it really dawned on me how much we really have to do before we leave and how quickly that day is really going to come. Three weeks seems so much longer than two weeks – two weeks sort of makes me want to hyperventilate. When it comes to packing and things like this I’m not really a leave things for the last minute kind of girl, but the way that everything went down we decided to leave so last minute that there wasn’t really a choice. Anyway, it’s a bit overwhelming.

But, I am liking that I have a very clear direction for the next few weeks – I know exactly what I need to be doing each day and I like having that purposefulness, honestly, it’s something I haven’t felt in a while. I’m also feeling hopeful that I’ll start to feel better once we get to the states and that makes the stress of the leaving so quickly seem really worth it.

I am thinking… constantly about what I need to be doing next. My brain has suddenly been filled with all the mundane details of packing. But, amidst the to-do lists which are front and center of my mind there are other thoughts lingering… Thoughts about the spirituality of geography, thoughts about the past four years in Prague, thoughts about church, thoughts about God, thoughts about this new baby, thoughts about our future, thoughts about this upcoming year, thoughts about finances, thoughts about creative projects… oh, so many thoughts… and oh so many feelings to go along with each one…

I am thankful… for my husband. SOOO thankful for him! He has been amazing the past few days (he’s always amazing) but I have just felt so grateful for him as we’ve wrestled with whether or not to go back so quickly, and then as we decided to do so and began packing. He’s been so helpful, so encouraging, and so supportive. I really don’t know what I would do without him. I’ve also been so grateful for the kind of father he is – he loves Thaddeus so much and Thaddeus loves him. Bryan has been so quick to jump in and play with Thad or put him down for a nap, or just distract him for a few minutes so that I can finish packing a box, or making dinner, or just rest for a minute so that this pregnancy doesn’t totally destroy me. Really, I have the most amazing husband ever and I’m so thankful for him!!

I am learning… not much formally, but a lot more about myself, my son, and my husband – who we each are, what we each need and what we each don’t need. I feel like this season has pushed us to re-evaluate ourselves and each other a lot.

I am reading… nothing. Well, occasionally over the past few days if Bryan put’s Thaddeus to bed I’ve had short periods to skim a few favorite blogs, but that’s it.

I am creating… LOTS. On top of creating a baby and lots of piles and boxes all around the house I’ve actually been doing a fair amount of sewing lately. Seems like the absolute last thing I should be doing when I have a mile long to-do list and so much to pack, but since I need to pack up all the sewing stuff I’m trying to finish up any projects that I wanted to make this year or at least get them to the place where they are manageable enough to take to the states. I’m also trying to clean out the sewing stuff and get rid of anything that I don’t really need so that has led to finishing up a lot of half finished projects – FINALLY.

One of my favorite things right now… is coconut milk – this has become a new staple in my diet lately and a bit of an addiction. I think I might be going through a can every two days! I’ve been putting it on everything. YUM!

A few plans and intentions for this week…

  • Spend a good deal of time with friends who we will miss while we are in the states
  • Go to Melnik (an antique bazaar outside of Prague) with some friends
  • Pack, pack, pack
  • Go to prenatal yoga again
  • Gain 1 pound…

A prayer for the week…

Father of all, be in the midst of my chaos,
be present in the midst of my anxieties,
be close in the midst of my uncertainties.

Mother of all, be in the midst of my health,
be present with me and this growing child in my womb,
be close in the midst of this pregnancy.

Spirit who loves, be in the midst of my goodbyes,
be present with the friends I leave behind,
be close in the midst of each of our ever changing lives.

Jesus who intercedes, be in the midst of my half whispered prayers,
be present in the midst of my heart aches,
be close in the midst of my decisions.
In your name I pray. Amen.

Rejoicing in the journey -
Bethany Stedman

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Breakfast Prayer

February 21st, 2011

A few days ago I was sorting through some old papers and I came across a prayer I’d written about a year ago. It really spoke to me today and I thought I’d share it with you all.

Breakfast Prayer

Today we return to God and to one another
Today, we choose again to follow and obey
Today, we choose again to look for God and listen when we hear his still small voice
Today, we come to His table and ask again for his grace

Our father who art in heaven,
hallowed by thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.

This day we accept, Lord God, whatever you may bring our way.
With open hands we accept this food that has been prepared and the day that stretches out before us.
Give us strength to face every obsticale,
guidance for every discussion,
and your presence to walk with us this day.
In Jesus name. Amen

Rejoicing in the journey -
Bethany Stedman

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A Valentine’s Letter to my Unborn Child

February 14th, 2011

My Sweet “Baby Mystery”,

Today I am 12 weeks pregnant and I can’t believe that you are already about the size of a lime. Honestly, little one, I’ve been having a hard time connecting with you so far…

By the time I was 12 weeks pregnant with your brother all I could think about was him. I’d constantly find myself rubbing my belly, I’d talk to him, dream about him and imagine what he’d be like. But, I haven’t done that as much with you. There’s more to do this time with a toddler to chase, I guess sometimes you just slip my mind. Forgive me, sweet child, and will you be my valentine?

I may not give you as much attention right now as I gave your brother in utero but I already love you so much! I’m gonna smother you with kisses when I finally get to hold you!

Today on Valentine’s Day here is my prayer for you, my littlest valentine:

Mother of us all, I may not keep this little one in mind often,
but I do hold them in my heart.
May you hold them safe in the center of your heart.
Spirit who nurtures, in the dark of winter, as this new life is formed,
nurture light and joy within this child even now – create them into a bringer of light.
God who is love, grow love in all of us for this new life.
Even now prepare a place of love for them that only they can fill.
Creator of life, May your hand shape this babe in health, that this new “baby mystery” would be the perfect second child for Bryan and I and the perfect sibling for little Thaddeus.
In the name of the Word become flesh, Jesus. Amen.

Rejoicing in the journey -
Bethany Stedman

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A Prayer for Solstice, A Prayer for Advent

December 21st, 2010

Today is the shortest day of the year. Today is the longest night of the year. Just typing the words makes my bones hurt and my heart heavy.

Today I feel like I have a number of people in my life who are experiencing a stripping down, a confussion, a “dark night of the soul”. Light feels missing, guidance feels lacking, and darkness feels eminent. The darkening reality of the physical world seems to fit well with the confusion and darkness of the soul.

We need light to break through.

And so today I celebrate Winter Solstice by remembering that light is coming back into the world. From this day forth light will slowly, but steadily, grow. Each day will bring more of its warmth; each day will bring more of its clarity. Today marks the turning of the tides.

And so today I pray this for my friends and for myself…

Lord, hold the darkness at bay.
Say unto the night, “This far shall thou come and NO farther.”
Speak life, and light unto our hearts.
Father, light the path before us, we don’t need to know the whole way,
but give us light to see the next step.
Spirit, break through the cold, the dark, the heavy, and lighten the load.
We moan for light. We moan for grace. We moan for You, Lord, Jesus.
Come, light of the world. Come.
Amen.

Rejoicing in the journey -
Bethany Stedman

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