God our Shepherd,
We give you thanks for Bishop Steven’s ministry as our bishop and ask your blessing on him as he prepares to retire.
At this time, we ask your blessing also on our diocese and those who have been chosen to shape its future.
May they listen to one another, to the voices of your people, and to the voice of your Holy Spirit.
May your love be at the heart of all their decisions and your will be done in the appointment of a new bishop.
We ask this through your Son, who shared your love in his life among us and showed it in his death for us, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
