The end of any worship service - the omega of the Lord’s Day gathering of the body of Christ– is an important time.  Congregational leaders send the people of God forth into the week to come with a few, hopefully helpful, words.  In the church, we call these concluding words of worship “benedictions.”  The word benediction means “good words.”  Benedictions are important because they are usually the last substantive words a congregation hears in worship.  It is the final opportunity for a pastor to make an impression on the congregation.  It is a last chance to put forth ideas which stay with the flock once they depart.

My hope is that this resource supports pastors in sending their congregations out into the world with a “good word” that helps worshippers live out their lives in faith, and that it encourages us to look for God’s blessed benedictions in our everyday lives.  May the grace of God, the love of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit be with each of us as we do.  Amen.

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David E. Gray serves as lead pastor at Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Maryland.