"A prayer given after the sending off of my daughter to the mission field"

Oh Lord!

Your precious

Sons and daughters

Obeying your word, they took the gospel and went

To Africa, Mexico, Japan

Since you knew our faith was not strong enough,

Sending your young sons and daughters instead

At the send off service, over forty young people

Went to the front of the sanctuary

It was then that I saw

What was in their young bright eyes

How much you were pleased…

I saw myself, a flower about to fade

And these young sons and daughters,

Flowers just about to blossom.

It was then that you showed me this

I felt you speaking to me.

"My sons and daughters.  I am pleased with you,

For you have given me the best moments of your life."

Oh Lord.  At this time all I can do is repent, pray,

Read your word, and sing praises, lifting them up to you.

Forgive us for living our lives carelessly,

Unable to share your love. 

Let us learn from the faith of our ancestors,

Who, in the midst of their persecution and starvation

Shared your love

To the harvest field

You sent your sons and daughters,

Using them as an instrument of your word,

Sharing your love

Going from soul to soul

May you open spiritual eyes to see you.

Give them your power and strength

Protect them from danger and evil

Whereever they go, may your good news spread

To the ends of the earth.