Reflection and prayer on receiving news of an old friend’s death:
God of all creation, hearts break to see an exquisite part of your creation lost – a life ended too soon. How is it, why is it, that the very things that make us uniquely who we are – our passions, our impulses, our will to act – are the things that, unchecked, can be our undoing? It seems cruel, and yet we have always known the truth of it. Let us have some harsh words with you, Holy One, because seriously: this should not be.
The news comes that someone who was woven into our hearts at a young age, at a specific time and place, is gone, and an ache pulls right at the center of our hearts, where that connection, no matter how long untended, is lodged firmly as ever. We want to trust that those we have ever had in our hearts are okay. Reminded they may not be, we wonder at the vulnerability of each and every life, yearn to pull everyone close who has ever mattered to us, and weep at the fact that we cannot.
Creator spirit, please take our dear one back to the source of all life, and let him know the deepest peace and abiding love that are his birthright. Let his brilliance and humor and kindness add to the store of good and right and holy things in this world and the next.
God of love, hear and hold our sorrow.
We give thanks for the ties that have bound us to others throughout our lives. They have made us who we are, taught us how to love, how to grieve, what to fear, and how to hope. In the heartache, may we make of our love a wide vessel to hold those closest to the dear one lost, sending prayers for strength and comfort. As we search for meaning, may we bring to life old memories, and let his life live on in our own. Let his memory may be a blessing even if his loss is never understood.
May light perpetual shine upon you, Craig.
Amen.
Beautiful words, and they are a balm I need right now. Thank you.