Compassionate Father,
We look to you in this hour with humility in our hearts. And we acknowledge that you are the author of life, and the one who takes it away. You formed us in our mother’s womb and gave us breath. But you have also ordained the day we breath our last.
As we bow our heads, we wish to thank you for the gift of life. We thank you for the days that you have given us. You are to be praised because we know we do not deserve to experience life at all. Though we have sinned against your infinite goodness, and persistently offended you in grievous ways, you have been merciful to us, and you have granted us many days.
Moreover, you have been good in supplying a way of salvation—a way to eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ. You saw fit to send forth your Son into this world. And you made him to die on the behalf of sinners like us. And to those who believe in him you give victory over the grave.
We rejoice that the grave could not hold him, and through him we have the hope of the Resurrection. From our hearts we unite to thank-you for the Grave Conqueror. And we commend ourselves to your continual care.
Lord, gathered here today are those who mourn the loss of friends and family. And I beseech you on their behalf. May you send forth your Spirit into their hearts to console them. I ask that you might help them to grieve. Give then eyes that look unto Jesus, the one who gives peace to ailing hearts. And may they find consolation in Him and him alone.
