The following is an approximation of the prayer offered at the Maxson Family gathering on August 6, 2000 at Mystic, Connecticut by Rev. Henry Maxson.

Almighty God, You who are the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and You who are the Father of all      the tribes and families of the earth, You have ordained the times and places for all mankind to live out their days under Your providential authority.

We thank You for the sacred heritage which You have given to us gathered here this day; a heritage grounded in the faith and demonstrated in the obedience arising in the heart of one man and being passed from one generation to another.  A heritage of simple faith toward God and righteous works among our fellows, being produced by the work of your Spirit in the hearts of many for the glory of Your name.

Following the lead of Your Spirit, You have brought us from Puritan Boston to free Portsmouth and from thence to Newport and to Westerly where we have been moved to honor the day of your Sabbath.  From the strength of these communities, You have led us to New York, New Jersey, West Virginia and to Wisconsin. Yes, even to the western and distant shore including the many places intermediate.

We beseech You through Your great mercy and grace that you may yet grant to those of us here gathered and to the many absent and still unknown to us who bear the name and stamp of this great heritage, that we may yet be granted faith to believe Your eternal gospel and obedience to serve You in these last days as we await the fulfillment of Your long-anticipated promised appearing in the earth.

We further beseech You that You may bless this gathering here today, both the food which we eat and the conversations in which we share.  All of this we pray together with our thanksgiving for Your gifts of life and hope in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Rev. Henry C. Maxson lives in West Warwick, Rhode Island and has been serving the Lord in the Pastorate for forty-five years. He has currently been called to serve as Chaplain for the Maxson Family Association. You are invited to share your thoughts with him at henrymaxson@juno.com