Virtual "Border Blessing" and Prayer Guide

On Saturday, March 28th, we had planned to host our first ever Border Blessing at Falling Creek. The original intention of this event was to come together as a camp community, enjoy the natural beauty of Falling Creek on a hike, be grateful for the company of others, and pray for the success of the summer ahead. Though we cannot physically come together for this event, we invite you all to join us from afar for a Virtual Border Blessing.

While originally our thoughts during the Border Blessing were going to apply specifically to camp and the health of those joining us this summer, we now have the opportunity to expand our thoughts to the health of the community as a whole.

We created a Prayer Guide (see below) for camp families to share, which is meant to serve as an opportunity for the Falling Creek Community to come together in mindfulness and prayer. This guide will move from the general to the specific, and we encourage you to use these prompts simply as jumping off points for your own prayers and thoughts.

Additionally, here you will find a link to our original Border Blessing Scavenger Hunt. You can adapt it to your own backyard, taking the time to appreciate the beauty in your surroundings at home.

The lighting of candles has always played an important role in the tradition of our community, as well as quiet reflection. In this way, we encourage you to light your candle, and find a moment of peace to begin this time. We can’t wait to return (in-person this summer!) to the very foundation that camp is built upon - the coming together in a community of support, fun, and growth.

Prayer Guide for the Border Blessing

The following is meant to serve as an opportunity for the Falling Creek Community to come together in mindfulness and prayer. This guide will move from the general to the specific, and we encourage you to use these prompts simply as jumping off points for your own prayers and thoughts. The lighting of candles has always played an important role in the tradition of our community, as well as quiet reflection. In this way, we encourage you to light your candle, and find a moment of peace to begin this time.

Your first prayer may start like this:

Today I am thankful for what I have, for my family, for provision, and for love. In a time of so much uncertainty and fear, I ask for peace, guidance, and faith. The challenges we face are great, but Father, you are greater. I pray for all of those impacted by the ongoing health event taking place today. To those on the front lines, and to those who are ill, give them peace, comfort, and safety. As we move forward, one day at a time, may we do so with compassion, grace, kindness, and love. Allow us to see the light in this time, as we are reminded of what is truly important.

Campers and Their Families:

Here we want to offer prayer and encouragement for our campers and their families. Coming from across the globe, we pray for each family member’s health and safety now, leading up to, and through the summer. We pray that as families leave their sons in our care, that they do so with confidence that their loved one is known, loved, safe, and growing. We pray, Father, that by spending time here, these boys will grow closer to You. May they know they are loved. For those who are leaving behind their sons, we pray for them to have a time of peace and calm as they eagerly await reuniting. May they know that the son they take home will be fueled by the spirit of Falling Creek, with a renewed enthusiasm for unselfishness and brotherhood.

Summer Staff:

For our returning summer staff and those who will be at camp for the first time, we pray that each will find their place here on the mountain. None of them could have imagined their school year ending as it will, and we pray over them a blanket of peace and grace. We hope that You will move in our staff a sense of excitement as they prepare to create this community, as well as a sense of pride and ownership for the roles they will play within it. We pray for their safety as they travel here from near and far. We pray for their endurance, energy, patience, grace, kindness, and love as the summer grows long. Ultimately we pray that by spending time here, in this place at camp, that they would have a better sense of themselves, the world, and their place in it.

Leadership Team:

For the leadership team, consisting of directors, admins, tribal and activity leaders, as well as medical, food, and facilities staff, we pray for discernment and persistence. May this collection never lose sight of our mission to love and grow others, and to create an environment that is safe and fun for all. Be with these leaders during the long hours, late nights, and hard talks, as they shape and mold this summer. May they lead from the front in compassion, energy, kindness, grace, and love. Provide for them vision that is broad-reaching, while allowing them awareness to savor every detail and moment. May they find joy in their work, fulfillment in their purpose, and shelter in Your grace.

Safety and Protection:

For the mountain and all the things that will happen on it this summer, we pray for safety and protection. We pray for the structures, the trails, the animals, the lakes, and all of the elements of this place that are often taken for granted. May each of these be used as a tool for growth by our community this summer. May they do their job well, and may we be good stewards of the blessings of this place. For the programming and play that will take place here, we pray for intentionality and safety. May we play hard and grow deeply. As we adventure out to venues around the Southeast to play on rocks, rivers, and trails, keep us safe. As we live communally, help us to be considerate of our bunkmates, both physically and emotionally. May You bless this place to Your purpose and for Your glory.

The Year Ahead:

Every summer, we lay the foundation for the year ahead. May 2020 pave the way for an incredible summer in 2021. We hope that our staff and our families will find something here that is undeniable: a sense of community and growth, founded in love. As the mountain empties once again, we pray for the safety of our community in the year ahead. May each carry their candle from here, out into the world, and in doing so, make it a brighter place. We hope that the sound of the bell calls each one back in their own time, and may they know that as in Your love, there is a place for them here.