A Prayer Before Beginning a New Appointment

I can't believe it's almost been a year since I received my new appointment to First UMC Coppell! I remember feeling overwhelmed and even uncertain at times as I began my new appointment, navigating a whole new unfamiliar system and not knowing what to expect. I wrote this prayer just days before my new appointment began last year. Looking back, I can't help but confess God's faithfulness! And as I begin my second year, I have no doubt that I can count on God, who has been faithful all these years, to continue to lead me faithfully in the years to come. 

A Prayer Before Beginning a New Appointment

God of Grace and Love, 

As I am beginning a new appointment,

 fill me with your peace and grace, 

 knowing that you go before me. 

Your grace goes before me,

in those encounters that bring me joy or burden me with disappointment,

in those worship services that are deeply moving or are callously shallow,

in those meetings that are filled with laughter or void with pain, 

in those moments that make or break me, 

in all those, God, help me to find your grace. 

So now, oh faithful God, 

I claim that you sent me here.

I confidently embrace your calling me 

to go and make disciples of love. 

I receive all the power and authority you give me, 

to serve and love with all that I am. 

I wholeheartedly welcome this opportunity. 

May I love, and love well. 

Help me to relentlessly, passionately, and selflessly love 

those whom I am entrusted to serve. 

Empower me to be part of your grace already at work in their lives. 

Grant me humility to see exactly who I am; 

as wounded, struggling, and challenged as I am,

as beloved, empowered, and sent as I am. 

May I never lose the wonder of being in ministry,

the humbling privilege of being in ordained ministry.

May I carefully and earnestly steward this sacred trust. 

Amen.