God Be With You: The Hidden Prayer Inside Every Goodbye
Rethinking “Goodbye”
Carl Frederick Buechner was an American writer, theologian, and Presbyterian minister who authored over 30 books before passing away nearly three years ago. In his book Whistling in the Dark, he shares a reflection that stayed with me:
A woman lifts her child onto the school bus steps and says, “Goodbye.”
A father, after scolding his son over poor grades, ends the call with, “Well, goodbye.”
A girl at the airport turns to the boy seeing her off, saying, “I guess this is goodbye.”
Two old friends, hands shaking, say “Goodbye” in unison, sharing a small smile.
Buechner writes that it was long ago that the words “God be with you” disappeared into the word “goodbye,” but every now and then, some trace of them still glimmers through.
The Spiritual Roots of “Goodbye”
In 16th-century England, “God be with ye” was a common greeting and farewell. Whether welcoming someone or parting ways, people exchanged this blessing: “God be with ye.”
Over time, this phrase blended with greetings like “Good day” and “Good evening,” eventually contracting into the single word we use now: goodbye.
Even if we don’t realize it, woven into every goodbye is a quiet prayer—a blessing spoken over the person we’re leaving: “God be with you.”
Why We Rarely Say It
At funerals I preside over, I often remind families that we’re not saying “Goodbye,” but “See you later.” Even outside of funerals, I rarely use “goodbye.” It feels too formal, too final.
I tend to say:
“Bye.”
“Bye-bye.”
“Take care.”
“Be safe.”
“See you later.”
But lately, I’ve been rethinking this.
A Blessing in Every Parting
“God be with you” is more than a farewell—it is spiritual and prayerful. It is a quiet blessing spoken over another, even if they don’t know it.
It reminds me of the Jewish greeting and farewell “Shalom.” In Hebrew, shalom means peace, wholeness, well-being, and restoration of body, soul, and spirit. It is more than a circumstantial wish; it is a deep hope for the person’s full flourishing.
Goodbye. Shalom.
As we enter the weekend, I invite you to consider your own farewells. Each “goodbye” can carry the hidden prayer: “God be with you.”
May your words become blessings, and may your blessings bring peace.
Goodbye.
Shalom.
What do you think?
How does it make you feel?
Steven
Send your responses to: Steven@thebeaconlifecoach.com
