The Rotary Club of West Vancouver

Club Service

Invocations  

Almighty One help us to remember as we walk along life's pathway that what ever we might say, let it be only the truth. 

What ever steps we take in life let them build good will and better friendships. 

Whatever goals we strive to accomplish, let them be beneficial to all concerned. 

We ask you to help us to never lose sight of our many blessings including the food we partake today.  Amen. 

Always remember to forget the things that made you sad

But never forget to remember the things, which make you glad 

Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue

But never forget to remember those that have stuck by you.

 

Always remember to forget the troubles that passed away

But never forget to remember the blessings that come each  day 

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything that goodness sends

Let us give thanks

 

• Adapted from a poem Sonia Wolowidnyk

We pray that you will help us, see the needs of others 

We pray that you will touch our hearts when we see the need

We pray that you will help us hear the cries of hurting 

We pray that you will guide us when we hear the cries

 

Help us to be thankful for all the gifts you gave us 

Help us to be wise when we use these gifts 

Guide us with your grace as we walk our path 

Hear our pray oh lord. Amen

 

• Emily Mathews

Friendship is a blessing; it’s the best you have to share 

The talents and the wisdom, the capacity to care 

It is being there to lend support what ever needs arise 

It’s making sure that the others know they’re special in your eyes 

Friendship is a blessing and to all who have a friend 

It’s one of the most precious gifts that life could send

 

• Adapted by  Sonia Wolowidnyk

When we view our world we are one race- The Human race 

With different heritage, customs, life philosophies 

Different beliefs, and different faiths.

 

Nowhere is this fact more evident that in Rotary where we are one, 

In harmony, joy, world peace and the respect for others to hold their own beliefs and own thinking 

Thank you for bringing us together with common visions and goals.

 

We thank you lord for this food and ask your blessing on this fellowship this evening. Amen

 

• Adapted by Sonia Wolowidnyk From March 25/01 Mt. Olivet, Lutheran Church Bulletin

Gracious God, Creator of all: welook out in our world and seen so many problems – hunger, homelessness, disease, loneliness, fear-afflicting so many of your children 

We may not look away from those things which hurt our neighbor, but see them, and be restless until we have done our part in helping ease the suffering. 

Guide us to be part of your answer to these problems , Lord. 

As Rotarians, inspire us to see beyond ourselves so that we can fight against the manifold problems of humankind. Hand in hand with all Rotarians, help us to become an effective force to overcome suffering of the world. 

For this fellowship and the food, we offer our thanks in Jesus name.  

Amen.

 

• Thomas Merton

Grant us prudence in proportion to our power,

Wisdom in Proportion to our science 

Humanness in proportion to our wealth and might

And blessing our earnest will, to help all races and people to travel in friendship with us along the road to justice and liberty and lasting peace.

 

• Thay’s Eating Gatha (edited and revised) Read by Les Blond

   

  This food is the gift of the whole universe---the earth, the sky, and much hard work.

  Our planet is a small piece of this galaxy and the interrelated hundreds of thousands of galaxies; Here, the oceans provide moisture for the sky, which rains on the earth and allows organisms to breed; It is this earth and water, and minerals formed by giant glaciers that sustains the plants which transform the sun’s energy into food; 

  and all of this sustains the animals which give us their energy and bodies, milk and meat to nourish us: 

  May we eat in mindfulness and appreciation so as to be worthy to receive this food today; 

  May we transform our unskillful states of mind and learn to eat with moderation; 

  May we take only foods that nourish us and prevent illness.

   

  We accept this food to realize the path of understanding and love. 

  Based on Thich Nhat Hanh ("Thay")/ Eating Gatha)

   

•  R. Kemp

Help us to remember as we walk along life's pathway that whatever we might say,

let it be only the truth.

Whatever steps we take in life, let them build goodwill and better friendships.

Whatever goals we strive to accomplish, let them be beneficial to all concerned.

Help us never to lose sight of the many blessings, including the food we partake of today.

Amen.

 

•  Ken Scheffel

May those assembled here today enjoy the many offerings of Rotary.

May we abide by the rules we have established, those of trust, fellowship and ethics, and may we place Service above Self, in our daily endeavors.

And may we always test ourselves and our efforts to be sure they are the truth, good for all concerned, of benefit to mankind, and provide peace and understanding.

 

• Invocation for Rotary meeting (script BEFORE silent invocation) composed by Bob Summers, past President, RC Fort Myers South

Will you please bow your head with me.

Let us pray silently together, each one of us, according to our individual beliefs.

Let us offer thanks for our food, blessings for one another.

Let us be a source of hope for those in need,

and contentment for those who are lonely.

Let us give gratitude for our opportunity to serve Rotary.

Let the feelings of love, kindness, and a well directed, yet gentle spirit always be reflected in our actions.

(30 seconds) Amen

 

•  Other Invocation Examples

Let us pray according to our beliefs.

We thank You for our food and we ask You to bless our club and every member.

On each new day let us be thankful for the gift of our life.

Let us be thankful before You a living and existing King that You have restored our souls with mercy.

Great is Your faithfulness.

Let us pray for the strength and health of our leaders.

Guide them that they may lead us in support of Rotary and help the needs of the world community.

Help us all to have clear minds, true hearts, and a good sense of humor.

Let us love one another as You love us.  Amen.

 

"For good food, Fellowship and the opportunity to serve others.

We give thanks,    Amen"