Reclaiming the
Benediction for the Church
(Or: What's this
business of sitting for the postlude?)
I've noticed in more congregations
A new addition to the service,
Purporting to be part of praying,
But counter to the church's purpose.
The benediction by the pastor -
Good words to all
(by definition) -
Should be the people's marching orders
To be the church, a commendation.
It sets them on their path of foll'wing
The One from whom the blessing's given,
Have courage, now; in
peace be going,
Be brave, let not your
light be hidden!
But then imagine you're not going,
As if your prayers before were lacking?
Or you'd not heard enough fine playing,
And now the organist, you're thanking?
I was all pumped to
love! you're thinking,
But now the steam is gone in sitting;
Oh, pastors, please reclaim an ending
For followers of Christ, more fitting!
Scott L. Barton
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