Gracious God,
Thank you for this day now coming to a close, for this food from your bounty that we are about to share, and for all the blessings of this life.
As we gather tonight to honor [the retiree] and his family, I pray that they might find in this fellowship yet one more piece of evidence of how much they are appreciated for their service, and loved for who they are.
Now bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies, and this fellowship to the nourishment of our souls. Surround our tables with the joy of your presence and keep us in your care.
In your holy name I pray. Amen
[Offered at a pre-retirement dinner, when a separate retirement ceremony would take place on the following day. I have also published a sample military retirement ceremony prayer.]
Mitchell Lewis 