Acts 20:32 - A Goodbye Prayer

Acts, Chapter 20, in the New Testament has a very moving scene where Paul is giving a final farewell to his friends, the leaders of the church at Ephesus. He offered parting advice with examples, warnings, and encouragements. What made this scene so moving was that both he and they knew that they would never see each other again. Paul knew that he would probably be martyred.

At one point, Paul told them, “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself." (Acts 20:32, New Living Translation).

Those are comforting words when we know there is someone we won't see again, that we can leave them and the future--their future--in God's care. It's not just for occasions that are so "final," though. It can be for anytime that we are concerned about someone when we can't always be nearby:

Friends and family that live a distance away.

Others who live relatively close, but schedules keep us apart. 

Kids we send off to school when the world around them seems so uncertain.

Father, For all of those to whom we say goodbye, whether it's a "long goodbye" or a "short goodbye," we entrust them to You. Protect them, build them up, and bring them to the inheritance of being with You in Your Kingdom. In the name of Your Son we pray, Amen.