Reverand Sandra Smith
Gracious and compassionate God,
We gather today in remembrance of loved ones who died too soon. No matter
how many weeks or years have passed since their death, these mothers and fathers,
grandparents, brothers and sisters, and other family members and friends still
bear the pain of the loss of their loved one. Our consolation is in you, loving
God, for we trust that those who have left this earth are now in your tender
care. We pray for the healing of all those whose lives have been changed forever
by such deep sorrow, and we pray that the sweet memories they hold in their
hearts will sustain them through all the coming days and years. May this beautiful
garden be a constant reminder of the beauty of love that exists between parent
and child, between those who love one another. May this garden stand as a sign
of hope that although our lives may end, love never ends, for it is eternal.
We thank you for your goodness to each of us and for your abiding love for all
creation. Amen.