By Renée Owen

Loving God,

It is a holy experience to journey alongside another,
invited into the sacred space of another’s story.

Often unknowing of what the day may hold,
our CBF-Endorsed Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors enter their specialized settings,
to see, to experience, and to walk beside people
who are experiencing crisis, grief and loss, pain and suffering.

There, in that chaotic space,
peacefully, they sit beside another,
a compassionate presence, often in silence,
to wait, to listen, to encourage, to remember,
and at times, to celebrate.

As they continue this holy and sacred work,
fill them with your strength,
that they may be a calming presence
amid all uncertainties.

Instill within them the wisdom to offer spiritual guidance
to those seeking your Divine presence.

Ground them in your Spirit,
that they may offer a healing touch,
a comforting word,
a moment of grace.

Protect them,
as they enter spaces of crisis and uncertainty.

Sustain them by your Holy presence,
as they continue to enter sacred spaces with all people,
sharing Christ’s hope,
and embodying God’s love to a hurting world.

Amen.

Renée Owen is Director of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Renée oversees the chaplaincy and pastoral counseling ministries endorsement process, including coaching and mentoring seminary students and ministers through the process as well as providing ongoing professional and emotional/spiritual support to our endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors, serving as a “chaplain to the chaplains.” Connect with her at rowen@cbf.net.