O God, our Redeemer, we in the Christian community do remember those who have gone before us in faith. We hold a firm hope that they will join our risen Savior in the vision of your glory forever.
O Loving God, we ask you to share the resurrection of Jesus with all our deceased relatives and friends. Show them your compassion, give them the fullness of freedom and may they see, face-to-face, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
And help all of us, the living, to grow in the faith and hope, in love and justice. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want,
In verdant pastures He gives me repose;
Beside restful waters He leads me;
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me in right paths For His name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil for You are at my side
With Your rod and staff that give me courage.
You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me All the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
For years to come.
Lord, teach me not to hold on to life too tightly. Teach me to take it as a gift. To enjoy it, to cherish it while I have it, but to let go gracefully and thankfully when the time comes. The gift is great, but the Giver is greater still. You are the Giver and in You is a life that never ends.
