Holy One, be merciful to us and bless us.

We lift up our hurting hearts to you.

We cry out in sorrow and confusion;
why is there pain,
why is there grief,
why is there suffering,
death
and separation?

It is beyond our understanding, beyond all reason;
how can You allow such things to be?

We grasp at every trace that remains;
notes and photographs, a pair of shoes,
a favorite food, a half-read book, a lock of hair,
a voice message, an old worn-out sweater…

to stay connected, to stay in touch —

to hang on

to one we can no longer hold;

constructing a bridge

to bring us nearer

to that farther side.

Holy God, be merciful to us and bless us.

The world is a weird and meaningless play;
a series of acts in which others recite pat phrases
and go through the motions
that pass for normal life

but we miss our cues, we forget our lines,
we stumble as though in a fog,

we are deaf, near-sighted, and numb;

our steps are slow and weary,
weighed down by a burden too great to bear,
held in place by memories too dear to release.

Dear God, be merciful to us and bless us.

Give us the courage to cry as much
and as long as we need.
Give us the strength to go on;
in time
let our sadness be transformed
into strength.

Turn each memory into a ray of light
that warms our hearts
and comforts our souls.

Help us to forgive all faults and failings —
of others as well as ourselves.
Fill us with compassion and understanding,
free us from rage, resentment, and despair.

Dear God, be merciful to us and bless us.

The days ahead will be difficult, Lord,
so don’t expect any outbursts of praise.
But I will stay beside You,
as I know You always stand by me;

And I have faith
that we’ll get through this
together.

May God, our God, bless us;
and may all that lives give thanks
and rejoice in God’s eternal love.

Amen.