To Honor Retired Called Workers
Lord God,
Many have dedicated their lives to the public ministry as pastors and teachers. Thank you for their willing sacrifices and for the ways you used their gifts to build up your church. Just as we honor veterans for their years of military service, let us remember to honor our retired pastors and teachers as well. Help our churches and schools to consider how their gifts and experience can continue to be tremendous blessings even in retirement.
When our retired called workers struggle with finding their place after public ministry, remind them that their identity was never anchored in their ministry, but in their baptism, by which you called them and made them yours. Give them wisdom and discernment to distinguish between supporting called workers who have come after them and inserting themselves into a calling that is no longer theirs. Bless them in their later season of life to be able to see the ministry of the gospel continue to thrive in your church. Let their service in retirement – whatever that may look like – be a source of joy to many.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.