Welcoming the Holy

Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.

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By: Sister Joan Cawley

Opening Prayer

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.  And let perpetual light shine on them

Scripture

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose.
Beside restful waters he leads me;
He refreshes my soul.

He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.

You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
For years to come.

Reflection

There are many readings and psalms that are appropriate choices for this Sunday. The selections are rich in comfort and hope when thinking about death. For those who do not believe, death appears to be the end; there is nothing more. But for those who believe, life continues after death. Just as we were birthed into this life, we will be birthed into new life, life eternal with God. As the psalm tells us, God is at our side and walks with us. Our God is a God of mercy and compassion.

This Sunday, we especially remember our family members and friends who have died. We thank God for them, pray for them, trusting in God’s mercy and the promise that Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

Reflect

For whom do I pray today?

Closing Prayer

O God of life,
you have given life to us all,
console us in our grief,
encourage us in our hope,
and hear us in our prayers.  Amen.