A Prayer for those who have lived long...

Father in your lovingkindness,
come and be close to those who have lived long

Be strength to those who are weary
from caring for their spouses, siblings, friends

Light again the flame that is almost out
Let hope surface in the midst of despair

Increase the vision, sharpen the focus
and grant a sparkle to once again settle
in their eyes

Bring relief to aching bones and muscles,
disfigured hands and curved backs and
crooked legs

Surround them with golden memories
and smiles from the past

Keep their hearts beating,
their minds alert, their spirits soaring
for another hour,
another day
another year

Help them to share their
abundant wisdom and insight,
life lessons and triumphs
before they leave us

And when it's time for them
to step through the veil that
thinly separates Heaven and Earth -
wrap them tightly in your love,
hold them close,
breathe on them with Holy breath
and pass through with them
to their new place of rest

And for those of us left behind,
let us wave them on with
thunderous applause and
deep gratitude for how their lives
became a part of ours

Their footprints have left a
sacred mark where they
have trod