After I had finished the course work for my M.Div. degree, the Rector of the college blessed all the graduands by reading a commissioning prayer over us. The prayer was taken in part from Isaiah 50, and both the memory of the blessing and reflection on Isaiah 50:4-5,7-8 have been a frequent comfort to me.The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens--wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious. I did not turn backward.
The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near.
