A blessing for a family business gathering

Gatherings of family or family business members can be at times taken for granted and at times intentionally avoided: “We’re always together” or “We never meet.” Roles or proximity might require frequent interaction, while past conflict or personal struggle cause people to shun attendance. But, there comes a time when you and your family business partners will be in the same room. It might be a meal, a meeting, a party, or a funeral…something brings you together, setting the stage for interaction.

A family gathered together can be sacred space, where your bonds are strengthened and your relationships nourished. Consider using this blessing as a welcome to a family business gathering, a meeting invocation, or a prayer before a meal, and make it your own by adding or deleting specific hopes and acknowledgements. (To listen to the blessing, click here.)

As we come together this day
May our hearts be filled with goodwill toward each other 
Honoring this kinship rooted in a shared history, experience, and geography
Recognizing a common future that will outlast any business endeavor

Let us not take our time together for granted, for it is truly a gift
Help us to look past annoyances and irritations, for we all stumble in many ways
Let us leave our personal worries for a brief time, so that we can focus on the other 
Help us transcend the awkwardness of past conflict, so that we glimpse the potential for peace between us

May we see one another with a refreshed vision of our strengths 
May we hear each other’s spoken words with positive intent
May we empathize with the emotions that frame conversations
May we call forth the joy experienced during our best times together

Now, may this gathering of our family members and business partners restore our relationships, create new connections, and honor the image of God in each of us.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Prior blessings: Upon the passing of a family business member, for rest, for the next generation’s return, for the senior generation letting go, and for the new year.