In Remembrance of Departed Friends

LORD of all spirits in all worlds! We remember before Thee our loved ones who have passed into Thy perfect rest. We thank Thee that their night of sorrow has been followed by the joy of Thy everlasting morning. We believe that they are safe in Thee and in Thee we find them "worthier to be loved." We would not, even if we could, bring them back from Thy holy Heaven to our sinful earth, from Thy sweet repose to our sad unrest. It is our joy to know that death has not stayed their spiritual progress; that they are ever advancing to heights not yet attained. They follow the Lamb from fountain to fountain of living waters. Behind the veil whither they have gone our hearts would also go, and through Thee would hold communion with them for a space. As we contemplate their bliss and think of all the blessing they have wrought us, may our sorrow grow less and our hope grow brighter until Thou dost give them back to us, and us to them, in the land where Thy glory dwelleth. Amen.