"My friends, may you grow in grace..."

There's a funny thing about song memories. Hearing a song from a certain time in my life evokes all the memories and feelings from the original time and place. For me, this benediction song was learned during my last years at Calvin College. There I was fortunate to develop friendships I cherish to this day, many of which were enriched by attending LOFT worship and singing this song together.

Where I currently attend church, this song is used as a benediction on occasion. Every time I hear the familiar melody start to play, I am immediately reminded of my college days. I remember the friends whose hands joined mine, and am grateful that many of those frienships have survived the years. I maintain a private prayer ritual, in which I silently pray for those whose hands I am holding, asking God to bless them. I am grateful for the new friendships in my life since joining the church where I sing this benediction today. For that, "to God be the Glory!"

Benediction

My friends, may you grow in grace,
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior
My friends, may you grow in grace,
and in the love of Jesus Christ

To God be the Glory, now and forever,
now and forever, amen
To God be the glory, now and forever,
now and forever, amen.