adapted from a litany by the Mennonite Church of Canada

What is this place?  

Only a building, but when we gather here, God’s name is praised.  

What are these new chairs and benches?  

Only wood, pegs, and glue, but in this place they serve us as we praise God’s name.  

We dedicate these things to the proclaiming of God’s word,

     in Scripture and preaching, in poetry and song, in sharing and prayer.  

May we, too, be instruments that proclaim your word, O God, with our mouths and with our lives.  

We dedicate this furniture to support us as we engage with God’s word,

     as we meditate on a piece of music,

          as we contemplate a work of art,

               as we greet one another in compassion and grace. 

May we always seek to engage with your word, 

     O God, as we ask questions, exercise creativity, and wonder at your mysteries.  

As we sit, let us be reminded of the great cloud of witnesses that surround us. 

May we remember those who once worshipped with us in-person and in body

     and who now worship with us across time and space. 

We pray this dedication in the name of Jesus, the Christ, a tektōn (τέκτων), a builder and a craftsman —   

     who took simple things and helped us to see God.  

May we always be on the look-out for God’s presence in every place we go. Amen.