Happy All Saints Day! And what better way to celebrate than to revel in some original blessing?!
Today marks the one year anniversary of the publishing of Original Blessing, so this week I’m going to share some goodies with you! And, if you sign up for my newsletter, I’ll send you a full liturgy for an Original Blessing worship service, as well as a more non-traditional service of blessing that includes prayer stations and other creative ideas, too.
First up, I’m delighted to announce that Richard Bruxvoort Colligan has written a hymn inspired by the book. (He was kind to give me partial credits but the writing was all his!) I was honored to work with him for the Connext conference, and was so thrilled when he wrote this. He’s part of the Convergence Music Project and you can check out some of his other music here. I’ve also included another song he shared with us, which was such a beautiful example of original blessing-style confession. You may want to file it away for Lent. We’d love for you to add these to your worship hymn collection and encourage you to share it!
Blessing
Text: Richard Bruxvoort Colligan & Danielle Shroyer
Slane 10.10.10.10
Blessing has formed us; God calls us by name
Deep in our nature divine DNA
Blessing has claimed us, beloved, God’s own
Rainfall or sunshine, we’ll always be home
Love runs to meet us, our cup overflows
Comes alongside on the saddest of roads
Ever unfolding in all humankind
not earned or purchased but gift by design
Christ’s resurrection in every breath
Seeds from the cross are disrupting all death
Now no one dead will remain in the grave
Freedom from fear to enjoy all our days
God, may we live with the blessing you’ve sown
deep in our nature the joy of our home
With awe and trembling, we’ll work out our call
Claimed by your blessing to bless one and all
O Tender God, Have Mercy
Words and music by Richard Bruxvoort Colligan
You can hear it and purchase it here.
O tender God, have mercy
For You are for us
O Living Christ, have mercy
For You will heal us
O tender God, have mercy
For You are for us
I couldn’t remember if I signed up or not, so I did, just in case.