The following is a litany of blessing I wrote for my own graduation from seminary in 2015, but it could easily be adapted to fit into any faith-based graduation ceremony or baccalaureate service.

ONE:

Spirit of the Living Waters, Come.

GRADUATES:

For we are poised to receive Your holy anointing, Come,

ALL:

As we pause to mark this milestone, pour down your richest blessings.

ONE:

Yes, bless us O God, for there will be moments when we would rather 

Drown in the belly of a fish at the bottom of the ocean, 

GRADUATES:

Than to rise up as the one who speaks the unwanted prophecy.

CONGREGANTS:

In these times, bend their wayward pride 

into the persistent longing for Your will to be fulfilled.

ONE:

There will be times when we are stuck in desert places,

GRADUATES:

With a thirst that overwhelms all other needs.

ALL:

In those times, quench their every desire; 

become their every sustenance.

ONE:

And there will be times when we will be called 

GRADUATES:

To step out of our boats and do the miraculous

ALL:

In those moments, shake them into a holy awareness

So that they believe in the possibility of walking on water.

ONE:

Whether we are faced with stormy seas all around,

GRADUATES:

Or looking out at clear skies and calm waters ahead

CONGREGANTS:

Bless them with a humble awe in knowing

that You are the compass of their every journey.

ONE:

Creator God, who commands the watery chaos

GRADUATES:

Hover over the mystery of our unknown tomorrows

CONGREGANTS:

And bless them with the passion, creativity, courage and vision

to live into fullest mantle of Your calling.

CMK. (c) 2015

Permission to use, with attribution.