“Evangelical Lutheran Worship” includes an “Affirmation of Christian Vocation” (p. 84). This short blessing and prayer may be included as part of the sending in worship to recognize the many vocations of the members of the assembly through their service inside and outside of the church.
The use of an “Affirmation of Christian Vocation” in the common worship life of an ELCA congregation both affirms the varied vocations of the baptized and underscores the common call of the community to participate in God’s mission in our daily lives.
“Affirmation of Christian Vocation” may be used at the beginning of the school year to affirm the vocation of Lutheran students of all kinds — from children to adults. The affirmation may be used to bless and pray for all those whose vocation is to teach others, but it may also be used to affirm and bless the vocation of parents, health professionals, musicians, financial professionals and more.
Music and vocation
Take a look at “Evangelical Lutheran Worship” #580, “How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord,” with text written by Fred Pratt Green (1903-2000) and music by C. Hubert H. Parry (1848-1918).
This hymn is in the Vocation/Ministry section of the worship book. The first verse reminds us that our clear Christian vocation is to “live according to your word and daily learn, refreshed, restored, that you are Lord of all and will not let us fall.”
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