This is that wonderful-terrible time of the year when many Unitarian Universalist congregations and community ministry settings announce (sole) candidates for called pastorates or hirings for assistant and non-pastoral positions.
So here’s a bit of the 1894 Universalist litany that speaks to this season. And spare a prayer for the search committees, applicants and pre-candidates (many of whom must necessarily be disappointed at some point) and the candidates. I’m keeping a secret prayer for many of you.
Minister. We beseech thee, O Lord, that it may please thee to rule and guide and comfort thy holy Church universal; to bring into the way of truth all such as have erred and are deceived; to send laborers into thy vineyard, and to give saving power to the preaching of thy word;
People. We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
Minister. That it may please thee to illumine all Ministers of the gospel and teachers of truth; and to give to them, and to the people committed to their charge, the needful spirit of thy grace, and to pour out upon them the continual dew of thy blessing;
People. We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.