It's that time of the year....

It's that time of the year....

Monday, May 30, 2011

A Memorial Day Prayer

AMemorial DayPrayer
By Rev. Dick Kozelka (ret)
First Congregational Church of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN.
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 you
from our smallness and inconsequence?
Except that you have called us to worship you
in spirit and in truth;
You have dignified us with loves and loyalties;
You have lifted us up with your loving kindnesses.
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 courage
because you have dignified us;
You have redeemed us from the aimlessness
of things' going meaninglessly well.
God, lift the hearts of those
for whom this holiday is not just diversion,
but painful memory and continued deprivation.
Bless those whose dear ones have died
needlessly, wastefully [as it seems]
in accident or misadventure.
We remember with compassion those who have died
serving their countries
in the futility of combat.
There is none of us but must come to bereavement and separation,
when all the answers we are offered
fail the question death asks of each of us.
We believe that you will provide for us
as others have been provided with the fulfillment of
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

8 comments:

  1. Wonderful post and speaks to the heart and soul of us. It does to me.

    xoxox

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  2. Blessings to you and yours....

    Amen, may we never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy.

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  3. Beautiful reminder . Amen also .Beth have a wonderful day.
    xox
    Many Hugs

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  4. Beautifully said. Blessings, Joanne

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  5. I really don't understand why this day is used for big sales promotions and celebrating. Everything but essential services and maybe small businesses should be allowed to open. It's a day to remember those who have passed on.

    I hope you had a pleasent day. Back to work tomorrow, ugh!

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  6. Amen from me to Beth. Have a nice week!

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  7. Wonderful post Beth. Not been on much so catching up. Hope your weekend was a good one.

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