FAITH

Gracious Lord, I open my heart to you. My body and spirit are but a fleeting, dim flame compared to the light that is yours. But just as two fires together burn brighter, my soul shines immeasurably larger when you are near to me. Forgive me for all of the times I turn away and leave your work undone.

Today, especially, I ask your presence with my grandmother, Nana. Be with her today. Lord, I cannot pray for you to heal her completely, because life on earth is temporary and eternity with you too sweet. I cannot pray for her to rush away too fast, because I love her too much to let her go just yet.

I know, though, that every moment she lingers here with us, Lord, is a difficult moment for her, so I pray for absolution. Lift from her the obligations that might burden her mind. With every bit of pain or confusion she might feel, bring her peace and comfort. When she feels worried or alone, bring her courage and fulfillment.

Above all, I pray she feels confident in the completion of her life, that she knows her days were lessons for us, that she understands we will carry our steps reflecting the love she lived every day, the love and light that starts with you.

Blessings in this life are often sweetest when great change is upon us. So it is now, Lord. If you have courage  left over, bring it to my family, to me, to everyone who knows and loves our Nana, to help us celebrate her. To help us, truly, to keep going.

Lord, I know the needs of this world are great, and mine diminish quickly in comparison to the hurting others feel. I pray for them and lift them up, a reminder that my life is a gift from you, and that you have given to me greatly.

All these prayers I lift up in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that today you might come closer to Nana and us all, and the light of our lives in you is enough to outshine whatever pain we feel.

Amen.