A Prayer at the End of Abraham's Story

Everlasting God, you were the God of Abraham for a hundred years and did not grow tired of him. You are our God too, and we ask the same patience.

He died full of years with almost nothing in his hands, one field and one son, and you were not ashamed to be called his God. Teach us to be full without being finished. Teach us to want the city you are building more than the tents we are living in.

We pray for the Isaacs and Ishmaels in our families, the ones who have not spoken in years. Bring them to the same grave if that is what it takes. Bring them sooner if you are willing.

After Abraham died, you blessed his son Isaac. Bless the ones who come after us. Let them find the wells we dug still giving water. And when you gather us to our people, let us go as he went, believing you, counted righteous, welcomed home. Through Jesus Christ, the offspring of Abraham in whom all the families of the earth are blessed. Amen.