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In 1998, President Lyle Bicknell of the Rotary Club of Coburg initiated the writing of a Rotary Prayer to be used at funerals in the remembrance of Rotarians.
He asked two members, the Reverend David Ryrie and the Reverend Geoff Browne (who are now Honorary members of the Club) to work on this task as part of their Vocational Service.
Lyle’s thought was for this to be used not only by Coburg, but to be shared with other clubs; a generous offer. In February 1999, whilst chairing a combined meeting of the Rotary Clubs of Coburg, Moreland and Pascoe Vale, Lyle collapsed and died.
The first reading of this prayer was at Lyle’s funeral and was a fitting tribute to a fine Rotarian.
The Rotary Club of Coburg is proud of the vision and efforts of Lyle, David and Geoff and is pleased to make this prayer available to all Clubs to acknowledge the work and service of individual Rotarians.
Permission for the use of this prayer has been given by Geoff and David.
Let us pray
Eternal spirit, from whom we come,
to whom we belong
and in whose presence is our peace and joy;
grant us now such spiritual triumph
in the member of our Rotarian, ------------------,
in whose character and service we rejoice.
We thank you for the Club
and the opportunities it gave -----------------------------------------
to serve for the common good.
We are grateful for the friends made,
the fellowship enjoyed,
the accomplishments for the happiness of others;
we acknowledge the sincere and active part ------------------------------
has played in the enjoyment of those benefits.
In Rotary's ideal of 'Service Above Self', we commit ourselves anew, to:
'Truth in word and deed;
fairness to all concerned;
goodwill and better friendships;
beneficial to all concerned.'
And pray for humility in your power,
strength in our weakness,
dignity in service,
guidance in our movements,
and your blessing in our planning's.
For your love's sake, Amen.
Rev. Geoffrey M. Browne & Rev. David A. Ryrie
