BOSTON MARATHON - Blessing of the Athletes - Old South Church

Resting directly on the finish line of the Boston Marathon is a wonderful Old South Church. Each Marathon Sunday, the service there includes a "Blessing of the Athletes." It is a very touching service and generally brings a tear to my eye...

Below is one of the responsive readings I “grabbed” from a long ago church service at Old South. Thanks to Minister Nancy Taylor for always making that church service so special.

LEADER
STRONG AND FAITHFUL GOD, WE ASK YOUR BLESSING ON THESE ATHLETES WHO HAVE COME TO RACE AND COMPETE. KEEP THEM SAFE FROM INJURY AND HARM. INSTILL IN THEM RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER. GIVE THEM THE ENDURANCE TO COMPETE WELL. REWARD THEM FOR THEIR DISCIPLINE AND PERSEVERANCE.

PEOPLE
MAY YOU MOUNT UP WITH WINGS LIKE EAGLES. MAY YOU RUN AND NOT GROW WEARY. MAY YOU WALK AND NOT FAINT.

LEADER MAY GOD TOUCH YOU WITH A WIND THAT KEEPS YOU STRONG, FOR ALL THE DAYS TO COME.

PEOPLE
GOD BLESS YOU. GOD BE WITH YOU. GOD GUIDE YOUR ARMS AND YOUR FEET



Kenneth Williams, @MarathonKoach.

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