REMEMBERING

This weekend in the USA is Memorial Day weekend. It's the official start to the summer season and where families gather together for a good old BBQ. Of course this day is to remember all those men and women who died for our country so that we can be free. Let us say a prayer for those that have died and let us be thankful for these men and women for sacrificing their lives so we can cherish our own lives.

Eternal God,Creator of years, of centuries,Lord of whatever is beyond time,Maker of all species and master of all history --How shall we speak to youfrom our smallness and inconsequence?Except that you have called us to worship youin spirit and in truth;You have dignified us with loves and loyalties;You have lifted us up with your lovingkindnesses.Therefore we are bold to come before you without groveling[though we sometimes feel that low]and without fear[though we are often anxious].We sing with spirit and pray with couragebecause you have dignified us;You have redeemed us from the aimlessnessof things' going meaninglessly well.God, lift the hearts of thosefor whom this holiday is not just diversion,but painful memory and continued deprivation.Bless those whose dear ones have diedneedlessly, wastefully [as it seems]in accident or misadventure.We remember with compassion those who have diedserving their countriesin the futility of combat.There is none of us but must come to bereavement and separation,when all the answers we are offeredfail the question death asks of each of us.We believe that you will provide for usas others have been provided with the fulfillment of"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."


(prayer from www.usmemorialday.org)