The following litany, written by University Minister Matthew Kerlin, was used at the Sept. 9 dedication ceremony for Samford University’s new College of Health Sciences facilities.
“Four Schools, One Calling”
The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s hunger meet.
We are called.
Heavenly Father, we honor you today as the source of life and health, the one who gives every good and perfect gift, the one who heals and restores, the one who brings hope and executes justice, the one who has taught us to love you and our neighbors with heart, soul, mind and strength.
We thank you for calling us to this place . . .
to study and learn in a beautiful space
to grow, mature and prepare ourselves
to face challenges that test our minds and our faith
to increase in knowledge and wisdom
to make the world a better place.
We acknowledge that we are called . . .
to be your people
to do your work
to love the Lord our God
to love our neighbors
to do your will on earth as it is in heaven.
We ask for your strength and mercy to live out our calling . . .
as students
as health professionals in training
as college professors, instructors and administrators
as followers of Christ committed to the health of our communities
as friends, coworkers and colleagues .
We honor you today.
We thank you today.
Remind us today that we are called.
Let us never forget that we are called.
Let us not forget that the place you call us to is the place where our deep gladness and the world’s hunger meet.
In the name of Christ we pray.
Amen.