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Blessing of the Bikes

Saturday, I was supposed to conduct a "Blessing of the Bikes" service, where Harley-Davidsons and their riders receive a blessing at the beginning of 'bike season.' I had some basic idea of what I was going to do, but obviously, there is no Book of Worship liturgy for such a blessing. It rained and rained Saturday, so the blessing was postponed for a couple of weeks. I've got more time to think about the service.
SO... Have you ever done or been to a bike blessing? What kind of liturgy was used? This is an all-outdoor service. No big sermon or anything. But I'd love to hear thoughts and suggestions if you have any!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Beth,

My former parish did not do a bike blessing but they did sponsor a ride each year. The prayers before they went off were for safe and fun travel and well as their presence being a blessing in the life of the riders they met. I don't ride but people who went on the ride said it was a blast.
why not adapt a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer that is used for blessing animals. i am sure St. Francis would have blessed harley's if they were around in his day.
John said…
That's my thought, too. The Blessing of the Animals in the Book of Worship.

The Christian Motorcyclists Association might have something.
Beth Quick said…
Thanks for the ideas - I will let you know how it works out ;)
Anonymous said…
We are doing a Blessing of the Bikes service this Saturday in Bay City, MI. It's the first one that I have ever done. Did you find some helpful worship resources? Were you satisfied with how the service came together?
Beth Quick said…
Hi David - sorry i didn't get to return your comment in time, so i hope your blessing went well. i didn't ever find any written resources. What i did was this: I read a psalm (121) and then anointed each bike and rider with oil, and asked a blessing on them and their bikes and prayed for their safety, and then closed with a group prayer time. they seemed to like it, especially the 'passengers' because I guess sometimes they have felt less included in the services.
peace,
beth
Anonymous said…
Prayer of Bike Blessing
"May God in Heaven fulfill abundantly the prayers which are pronounced over you and your bikes on this occasion of the Blessing of the Bikes. May God bless your going out and coming in; May the Lord be with you at home and on the road. May He accompany you when you start on your many journeys: May He fill your lives abundantly with many blessings; May He keep all your rides safe. May His mercy, grace and love shine upon your every path.
In Christ Name, Amen"
Anonymous said…
Thank YOU for your help in a Bike Blessing.

<>< Mike ><>
"Life Matters"

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