Prayer Card Verses

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the whole earth.
He never becomes faint or weary;
there is no limit to his understanding.
29 He gives strength to the faint
and strengthens the powerless.
30 Youths may become faint and weary,
and young men stumble and fall,
31 but those who trust in the Lord
will renew their strength;
they will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not become weary,
they will walk and not faint.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

“I am the light of the World, he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus said, “In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me. Because I live, you will also live.”

Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And He took the children in his arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Well done, thou good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in way of sinners, or sit in the seat of the mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein; for he has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of his salvation.

I have asked the Lord for one thing - this is what I desire! I want to live in the Lord’s house all the days of my life, so I can gaze at the splendor of the Lord and contemplate in His temple. He will surely give me shelter in the day of danger; He will hide me in His home; He will place me on an inaccessible rocky summit. Now I will triumph over my enemies who surround me! I will offer sacrifices in His dwelling place and shout for joy! I will sing praises to the Lord! Hear me, O Lord, when I cry out! Have mercy on me and answer me! My heart tells me to pray for you, and I do pray to you, O Lord. Do not reject me! Do not push your servant away in anger! You are my deliverer! Do not forsake or abandon me, O God who vindicates me!

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

I will lift mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil; He shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and His word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live to the Lord and if we die to the Lord, so then whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course. I have kept the faith in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which is the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Lord make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master; grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, and it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help, and sought Thy intercession was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of virgins. My Mother, to Thee I come; before Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. Oh Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not my petitions, but, in Thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.

With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy servants, where there is neither sickness, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but lifelasting.

Thou only art immortal, who hast created and fashioned man. For out of the earth were we mortals made, and unto the earth shall we return again, as Thou didst command when Thou madest man, saying unto me:

For earth thou art, and unto the earth shall thou return. Whether, also, all we mortals wend our way, making of our funeral dirge the song: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

Amazing Grace, shall always be my song of praise,
for it was grace that brought me liberty;
I do not know just why He came to love me so,
He looked beyond my faults and saw my need.
I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary, to view the cross
where Jesus died for me.
How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul,
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

I pray that I may fish until my dying day,
and, when it comes to my last cast;
I then most humbly pray,
when in the Lord’s great landing net
and peacefully asleep;
that in His mercy I be judged
big enough to keep.

I believe in God the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn, for they
will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will
inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and
thirst for righteousness for they will
be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will
be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart, for
they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for
they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted,
for the sake of righteousness, for
theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Lord, look down from heaven above
And touch this special child with love,

Protect and guide this little one
Till each and every day is done.

Remind us often that it's true,
This little life is a gift from you.

A miracle You've sent our way!
Lord, bless this little child today.

O Lord, He support us all the day long till the shades lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done.

Then in His Mercy . . .may He give us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last.

God saw you getting tired and the cure was not to be.
So He put His arms around you and whispered,
"Come to Me."
With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
hardworking hands at rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to
He only takes the best!

You never walk alone my friend,
though you may thing you do,
for in your sorrow and despair
God always walks with you.
There is no hour, no passing day,
He is not by your side,
and tho unseen, He still is there
to be your friend and guide.
When’er you think you walk alone
reach our and you will find,
the hand of God to show the way,
and bring you peace of mind.

GOD, Your days are without end, Your mercies beyond counting. Help us always to remember that life is short and the day of our death is known to You alone. May Your Holy Spirit lead us to live in holiness and justice all our days.

Then, after serving You in the fellowship of Your Church, with strong faith, consoling hope, and perfect love for all, may we joyfully come to Your Kingdom.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Out of the depths I have cried to Thee O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication:
If Thou, O Lord, wit mark iniquities,
Lord who shall stand it?
For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness;
and by reason of Thy Law,
have I waited for Thee O Lord,
My soul hath relied on His word.
My soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night;
let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy
and with Him plenteous redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from all their iniquities.
Eternal rest grant him, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him.

Praise to the Divine Heart,
through which was brought us salvation.
Glory and honor be to it forever. Amen.
O Heart of love, I put all my trust in You;
for I fear all things from Your goodness.
Most sweet Heart of Jesus, grant that peace,
the fruit of justice and charity,
may reign throughout the world.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, protect our families.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful
Departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Lord help this family to remember that nothing will happen
To them today that you and they together cannot handle.

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonged to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you the most you would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

God sees when the footsteps all falter
When the pathway has grown too steep,
Then He touches the weary eyelids
And gives His dear ones sleep.

I thought that I would find God
In the sky above, so blue,
But then I touched a flower
And felt God’s presence, too.

I thought that I would find God
In the church, high on the hill,
But then I heard a bluebird
Singing on my windowsill.

At last I knew that God dwells
In all things, bright and fair,
And no matter where I travel,
I can find God waiting there.

God made us a family
We need one another
We love one another
We forgive one another
We work together
We play together
We worship together
Together we use God's word
Together we grow in Christ
Together we love all men
Together we serve our God
Together we hope for Heaven
These are our hopes and ideals
Help us to attain them, O God,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

God looked around his garden
and He found an empty place.
And then He looked down
upon the earth, and saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering, He knew you were in pain, He knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, so He closed your weary eyelids, and whispered “Peace be thine.”
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you. The day God called you home.

God has not promised Skies always blue,
flower-strewn pathways all our lives through.
God has not promised Sun without rain,
joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God has promised strength for the day,
rest for the labor, light for the way,
grace for the trials,
help from above Unfailing sympathy,
undying love.

O world, I cannot hold thee close enough!
Thy winds, thy wide grey skies!
Thy mists, that roll and rise!
Thy woods, this autumn day, that ache and sag
And all but cry with colour! That gaunt crag
To crush! To lift the lean of that black bluff!
World, World, I cannot get thee close enough!

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of
all the faithful, grant unto the
souls of Thy servants departed the
remission of all their sins; that,
by pious supplications, they may
obtain that pardon which they have
always desired. Grant this, O God,
Who livest and reignest
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Sweet Heart of Mary be my salvation!
Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help,
pray for us.

Our Father, -- Hail Mary, --

"Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted."

St. Matthew, Verse 5

O God, the giver of pardon and lover of human salvation, have mercy on your servant who has departed from this world. May the intercession of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, and all your Saints assist this soul in attaining eternal happiness.

May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God rest in peace.
Amen.

You are ushering in another day untouched and freshly new, so here I come to ask you God if you'll renew me too?

Forgive the many errors, that I made yesterday, and let me try again dear God, to walk closer in Thy way.

But Father, I am well aware I can't make it on my own. So take my hand and hold it tight for I can't walk alone.

Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee:
blessed art thou among women and
blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Question 1: What is your only comfort, in life and in death?

That I belong - body and soul, in life and in death – not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil: that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head: indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the
universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

"How much do you love me" I asked Jesus,
and Jesus said, "This much . . . "
Then He stretched out His arms and died.

I believe that God is in me
as the sun is in the colour
and fragrance of a flower –
The Light in my darkness,
The Voice in my silence.
~ Helen Keller

If Roses grow in Heaven
Lord, please pick a bunch for me.
Place them in my Mother's arms
and tell her they're from me.

Tell her that I love her and miss her,
and when she turns to smile,
place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for awhile.

Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
but there's an ache within my heart
that will never go away.

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends good times a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee.
God wanted me now; He set me free!

Immaculate Virgin,
Mother of Jesus and our Mother,
we look to you, our life,
our sweetness,
and our hope.

Dear Lord,
Give your angels charge over babes who sleep.

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

May the road rise with you,
May the wind be always
at your back,
May the sun shine warm
upon your face,
And rains fall soft
upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
may God keep you
in the hollow of His hand.

Almighty and most merciful God who, when little children born again of water depart this mortal life, dost forthwith, without any desert of other, bestow upon them life everlasting, as we believe Thou hast done to this little child, grant, we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all Thy Saints, we may serve Thee here with pure minds and be forever united to the blessed little ones in Paradise. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, through the death of Your Son on the cross, you have overcome death for us. Through his burial and resurrection from the dead you have made the grave a holy place and restored to us eternal life. We pray for those who died believing in Jesus and are buried with him in the hope of rising again.

God of the living and the dead, may those who faithfully believed in you on earth praise you forever in the joy of heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Lift us up, strong Son of God,
that we may see further;
cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly,
draw us closer to Yourself that we may know ourselves
to be nearer to our loved ones who are with You.

Lord, support us all day long,
until the shadows lengthen and
the evening comes, and the busy
world is hushed, and the fever
of life is over, and our work
is done. Then in thy mercy grant
us a safe lodging, and a holy
rest, and peace at the last.
Amen.

It is truly right and just, proper and helpful toward salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. In the same Christ the hope of a blessed resurrection has dawned for us, bringing all who are under the certain, sad sentence of death the consoling promise of future immortality. For those who have been faithful, O Lord, life is not ended, but merely changed; and when this earthly abode dissolves, an eternal dwelling place awaits them in heaven.

Eternal rest grant them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Amen.

O, God,
The Creator and Redeemer
Of all the Faithful.
Grant to the Souls
Of Thy Servants departed
The remission of all their sins;
That through pious supplications
They may obtain the pardon,
Which they have always desired
Who Iivest and reignest
World without end.
Amen.

O gentlest heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls, have mercy on the soul of thy departed servant. Be not severe in Thy judgement but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames, and do Thou O Merciful Saviour, send Thy Angels to conduct Thy departed servant to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen
Merciful Jesus grant eternal rest.

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross. The emblem of suffering and shame and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain. So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross. Till my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it some day for a crown. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true it’s shame and reproach gladly bear. Then he’ll call me some day to my home far away. Where His glory forever I’ll share.

God on His throne in heaven, looked round at His flowers so fair, and then sought a blossom on earth from those He has there. To be part of such heavenly Company The bloom must be pure and sweet and the little bud that was chosen Was the child who had played at our feet. Sorrow is great at the loss of our child At the parting with one we love But the parting was made that our child might go To brighten the heavens above.

The little cares that fretted me
I lost them yesterday,
Among the fields above the sea,
Among the winds at play,
Among the lowing of the herds,
The rustling of the trees,
Among the singing of the birds,
The humming of the bees.

The foolish fears of what might happen.
I cast them all away
Among the clover-scented grass,
Among the new-mown hay,
Among the husking of the corn,
Where drowsy poppies nod
Where ill thoughts die and good are born--
Out in the fields with God.

Dear Padre Pio, for 50 years your body bore the wounds of Christ and you suffered willingly as a victim for others. You never took off the crown of thorns yet always had time to talk, to listen and to pray. Intercede for me now, for you once said “As the pearls are held together by a thread, thus virtues are held together by charity; as the pearls fall when the thread breaks, thus virtues are lost if charity diminishes.” Amen.

Almighty God, who inspired
your servant Luke the Physician to set
forth in the Gospel the love and
healing power of Your son,
graciously continue in Your Church
the love and power to heal, to the
praise and glory of Your name,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

God, Our Father, We pray that through Your intercession of St. Nicholas You will protect our children. Keep them safe from harm and help them grow and become worthy in Your sight.

Give them strength to keep their Faith in You; and to keep alive their joy in Your creation. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

St. Nicholas – December 6
Abbot – (ca. 270-342)
Patron of Children
Patron of Saint Russia
The word Santa Claus originated from His name.

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus while before Your face I humbly kneel and beseech You to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment. While I contemplate, with great love and tender pity, Your five most precious wounds. Pondering over them within me and calling to mind the words which David, Your prophet, said of You, my Jesus: “They have pierced my hands and my feet, they have numbered all my bones”. Amen

O God,
The Creator and Redeemer
Of all the Faithful,
Grant to the Souls
Of Thy Servants departed The remission of all their sins;

That through pious supplications
They may obtain the pardon
Which they have always desired
Who livest and reignest
World without end.
Amen.

(From the Mass for the Dead)

Heavenly Father, in Your love for us, protect against the wickedness of the devil, those helpless little ones to whom You have given the gift of life. Touch with pity the hearts of those women pregnant in our world today who are not thinking of motherhood. Help them to see that the child they carry is made in Your image – as well as theirs – made for eternal life. Dispel their fear and selfishness and give them true womanly hearts to love their babies and give them birth and all the needed care that a mother alone can give. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever, Amen.

O Holy Spirit of God, take me as Thy disciple.
Guide me, illuminate me, sanctify me.
Bind my hands that they may do no evil.
Cover my eyes that they may see it no more.
Sanctify my heart that evil may not dwell within me.
Be Thou my God. Be Thou my Guide.
Withersoever Thou leadest me I will go.
Whatsoever Thou forbiddest me I will renounce.
And whatsoever Thou commandest me,
in Thy strength I will do.
Lead me then unto the fullness of Thy truth.
Amen.
- Cardinal Manning

Heavenly Father, I am your humble servant, I come before you today in need of hope. When I feel weak and hopeless, fortify me with the grace of your Holy Spirit and guide me in your light of faith and glory.

Grant me the peace that comes from trusting in your presence, you love, and your strength.

I trust that your faithful servant St. Jude is by my side through all the challenges of my life and intercedes on my behalf to the Lord Our God. Amen.

St. Jude, please fill my heart with hope.

Lord Jesus Christ, during Your earthly life You showed compassion to those who had lost a loved one. Turn Your compassionate eyes on me in my sorrow over the loss of my life’s partner. Fill this emptiness until we are together again in Your heavenly kingdom as a reward for our earthly service. Help me to cope with my loss by relying on You even more than before. Teach me to adapt to the new conditions of my life and to continue doing Your will. Enable me to avoid withdrawing from life and make me give myself to others more readily, so that I may continue to live in Your grace and to do the task that You have laid out for me.

O God, who amongst Thy Apostolic priests has raised up Thy servant, to the dignity of a priest, grant, we beseech Thee, that He may also be admitted in heaven to their everlasting fellowship, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Amen.

Most merciful Father, we commend our departed into your hands. We are filled with the sure hope that our departed will rise again on the Last Day with all who have died in Christ. We thank you for all the good things you have given during our departed’s earthly life.

O Father, in your great mercy, accept our prayer that the Gates of Paradise may be opened for your servant. In our turn, may we too be comforted by the words of faith until we greet Christ in glory and are united with you and our departed.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

May the Angels lead you into Paradise, may the Martyrs receive you at your coming, and take you to Jerusalem the holy city.

May the choirs of the Angels receive you, and may you with the once poor Lazarus, have rest ever lasting. Amen.

May the Souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

I am home in Heaven, dear ones. Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over.
Every restless tossing passed. I am now at peace forever.
Safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus' love illuminated every dark and fearful glade.
And he came Himself to meet me in that way so hard to tread.
And with Jesus' arm to lean on.
Could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely for I love you dearly still.
Try to look beyond earth's shadows.
Pray to trust our Father's Will.
There is work still waiting for you.
So you must not idly stand; do it now, while life remaineth –
You shall rest in Jesus' land.
When that work is all completed He will gently call you Home.
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!

Good St. Anne, you were especially favored by God to be the mother of the most holy Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Savior. By your power with your most pure daughter and with her divine Son, kindly obtain for us the grace and the favor we now seek. Please secure for us also forgiveness of our past sins, the strength to perform faithfully our daily duties and the help we need to persevere in the love of Jesus and Mary. Amen.

O glorious St. Anthony, safe refuge of the afflicted and distressed, who by miraculous revelation has directed all those who seek aid to come to Thy altar with the promise that who soever visits it for nine consecutive Tuesdays, and there piously invokes thee, will feel the power of the intercession. I, a poor sinner, encouraged by this promise, come to thee.

O powerful Saint, and with a firm hope I implore thy aid, thy protection, thy counsel and thy blessing. Obtain for me, I beseech thee my request in this necessity. But if it should be opposed to the Will of God and the welfare of my soul, obtain for me such other graces as shall be conducive to my salvation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving God who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and fearful imaginings. Trust in the giver of all good gifts. ~ St. Francis de Sales

Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls - Pray for me.

O’ Blessed St. Joseph, you have the power to render possible things which are impossible, come to our aid in this present trouble and distress. Take this important and difficult affair under thy particular protection. Let it not be said, we have invoked you in vain since you are so powerful with Jesus and Mary.

O Holy St Jude! Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke you, special patron in time of need; to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance; help me now in my urgent need and grant my earnest petition. I will never forget thy graces and favors you obtain for me and I will do my utmost to spread devotion to you. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us and all who honor thee and invoke thy aid.

Defend us in battle.
Be our protection
against the wickedness
and snares of the devil;

May God rebuke him,
we humbly pray;

And do thou, O Prince of the heavenly house,
By the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan
and all evil spirits
Who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.
Amen.

O Little Therese of the Child Jesus,
please pick for me a rose from the heavenly gardens
and send it to me as a message of love.
O Little Flower of Jesus,
ask God to grant the favors I now place
with confidence in your hands . .
(Mention specific requests)
St. Therese, help me to always believe
as you did in God’s great love for me,
so that I might imitate your
“Little Way” each day.
Amen.

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

Our Father who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory, forever.
Amen.

May you always walk in sunshine
and God's love around you flow,
for the happiness you gave us;
no one will ever know.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you did not go alone;
a part of us went with you;
the day God called you home.

A million times we've needed you.
A million times we've cried.
If love could only have saved you,
You never would have died.

"We never lose those we give to God".
~ St. Augustine

We thank Thee, Lord
For all Thy care;
For strength to earn;
The chance to share;
For laughter song
And friendship deep;
And all the memories we keep. ~ Edgar A. Guest

When Christ shall come
with shout of acclamation,
and take me home, what
joy shall fill my heart. Then
I shall bow down
in humble adoration,
and then proclaim,
"My God, how great
thou art!"

We give back to you, O God, those whom you gave to us. You did not lose them when you gave them to us, and we do not lose them by their return to you. Your dear Son has taught us that life is eternal and love cannot die. So death is only an horizon, and an horizon is only the limit of our sight.

Open our eyes to see more clearly, and draw us closer to you that we may know that we are nearer to our loved ones, who are with you. You have told us that you are preparing a place for us; prepare us also for that happy place, that where you are we may also be always, O dear Lord of life and death. Amen. ~ William Penn, 1644-1718

God made a wonderful mother,
A mother who never grows old;
He made her smile of the sunshine.
And He moulded her heart of pure gold;
In her eyes He placed bright shining stars,
In her cheeks fair roses you see;
God made a wonderful mother,
And He gave that dear mother to me.

Father we entrust our sister to your mercy.

You loved her greatly in this life: now that she is freed from all its cares, give her happiness and peace for ever.

Welcome her now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

Father we entrust our brother to your mercy.

You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace for ever.

Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

A lifetime of service.
To God,
Family,
Friends,
Country.

Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces of the sky;
Be with them traversing the air
In dark'ning storms or sunshine fair.

You who support with tender might
The balanced birds in all their flight,
Lord of the tempered winds, be near,
That, having thee, they know no fear.

Control their minds with instinct fit
When’er adventuring, they quit
The firm security of land;
Grant steadfast eye and skillful hand.

Aloft in solitudes of space,
Uphold them with Thy saving grace.
O God, protect the men who fly
Through lonely ways beneath the sky.

When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child before it's too late,
or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout,
and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
to guard my neighbor and protect his property.
And if according to your will I have to lose my life,
bless with your protecting hand my loving family from strife.

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
of THE UNITED STATES MARINES.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev'ry clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job
The UNITED STATES MARINES.

Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By UNITED STATES MARINES.

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep,
Its own appointed limits keep.
Oh hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea.

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walkedst on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

Lord I ask for courage
Courage to face and conquer my own fears
Courage to take me where others will not go

I ask for strength
Strength of body to protect others and strength of spirit to lead others

I ask for dedication
Dedication to do my job and do it well.
Dedication to my community to keep it safe.
Give me Lord, concern for others who trust me
and compassion for those who need me.
And Please Lord through it all be at my side.

Almighty God, Protector of all Mankind, Your strength, power, and wisdom are a beacon of light to all men: Give special guidance to Firemen and Firefighters so that we may be protected from harm while performing our duty. Help me with Your loving care while I work to save the lives and property of all people young and old. Give me the courage, the alertness to protect my neighbors and all others whom I am pledge to aid when involved in a fire or accident. Amen.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hill
From the sky.

All is well, safely rest
God is nigh.
Thanks and praise, for our days,
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars,
'Neath the sky.

As we go, this we know,
God is nigh.

An ordinary fellow
in time of war and strife,
Went off to serve his country
And offered up his life.

God of our fathers, whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies,
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.

Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast;
Be Thou our ruler, guardian, guide and stay,
Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.

A garden has this advantage, that it makes no difference where you live.
A well-laid garden makes the face of the country of no account;
let it be low or high, grand or mean,
you have made a beautiful abode worthy of man.

A light is from our household gone
A voice we loved is stilled,
A place is vacant in our home
Which never can be filled.
God gave us a beautiful father -
A father who never grew old
You were always there with a helping hand.
Help us now to accept His plan.
We miss you now our hearts are sore
As time goes by, we miss you more
Your loving smile, your gentle face
No one can take our father's place.
May the choirs of the Angels receive
you and may you have rest and
peace everlasting. Amen.

A light is from our household gone
A voice we loved is stilled,
A place is vacant in our home
Which never can be filled.
God gave us a beautiful mother -
A mother who never grew old
You were always there with a helping hand.
Help us now to accept His plan.
We miss you now our hearts are sore
As time goes by, we miss you more
Your loving smile, your gentle face
No one can take our mother's place.
May the choirs of the Angels receive
you and may you have rest and
peace everlasting. Amen.

After I am dead and laid away… in the dust from where I came…
my spirit will be wondering… if you will speak my name…
I will place my kiss upon the wind… so you can feel its touch…
in the hope that you will answer me… with the lips I miss so much… I’ll come to you in every star… you gaze on in the sky…
and I will be a part of all… the things that beautify…
I’ll be in all you say or do… although we are apart…
I’ll live within a corner of… your tender loving heart…
yes, after I am in my grave… and life has ceased to be…
I will be resurrected if… you will remember me.

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one,
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun of happy memories
that I leave when life is done.

Always remember we love you.
Although you could not stay,
you’ll always remain in our hearts,
until we meet again our little one.

As I sit in heaven and watch you everyday,
I try to let you know with signs I never went away.
I hear you when you’re laughing,
and watch you as you sleep.
I even place my arms around you to calm you as you weep.
I see you wish the days away, begging to have me home.
So I try to send you signs so you know you are not alone.
Don’t feel guilty that you have life that was denied to me.
Heaven is truly beautiful, just you wait and see.
So live your life, laugh again, enjoy yourself, be free.
Then I know with every breath you take
you’ll be taking one for me.

Another has fallen,
another soul has gone.
But still we have God's promises,
in every robin's song.
For he is in His heaven,
and though He takes away,
He always leaves to mortals,
the bright sun's kindly ray.
He leaves the fragrant blossoms,
and lovely forest, green.
And gives us new found comfort,
when we on Him will lean.

Sunset and evening star,
and one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar
when I put out to sea.
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
too full for sound and foam,
when that which drew from out
the boundless deep,
turns again home.
~ Alfred Tennyson

We’ll always remember that special smile, that caring heart, that warm embrace you always gave us. You being there for Mom and us, through good and bad times no matter what. We’ll always remember you Dad because there’ll never be another one to replace you in our hearts, and the love we will always have for you.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep,
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond's gift of snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the autumn's gentle rain,
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush.

Of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night,
Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there, I did not die.

When I come to the end of my journey.
And I travel my last weary mile.
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned.
And remember only the smile.
Forget unkind words I have spoken.
Remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache.
And remember I've had loads of fun.
Forget that I've stumbled and blundered.
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles.
And won, ere the close of the day.
Then forget to grieve for my going.
I would not have you sad for a day.
But in summer just gather some flowers.
And remember the place where I lay.
And come in the shade of evening.
When the sun paints the sky in the west.
Stand for a few moments beside me.
And remember only my best.

Your gentle face and patient smile.
With sadness we recall
You had a kindly word for each
And died beloved by all.
The voice is mute and stilled the heart
That loved us well and true.
Ah, bitter was the trial to part
From one so good as you.
You are not a forgotten loved one
Nor will you ever be
As long as life and memory last
We will remember thee.
We miss you now, our hearts are sore,
As time goes by we miss you more,
Your loving smile, your gentle face
No one can fill your vacant place.

Grieve not...
nor speak of me with tears...
but laugh and talk of me...
as though I were beside you.
I loved you so...
t'was Heaven here with you.

Hush! My dear, lie still and slumber.
Holy angels guard thy bed!
Heavenly blessings without number,
Gently falling on thy head.
~ Isaac Watts

I'd like the tears of those who grieve
to dry before the sun
of happy memories
that I leave when life is done.

Hold your loved ones close today.
Whisper in their ear,
tell them that you love them
and you’ll always hold them dear.
For tomorrow is promised no one
young and old alike,
and today may be your last chance
to hold your loved ones tight!

Leaf after leaf,
flower after flower.
Some in the dawn of day,
some in the after hour.
Alive they flourish,
and alive they fall,
and the earth that sustained them
receives them all.

When I am dead,
cry for me a little.
Think of me sometimes,
but not too much.

It is not good for you
to allow your thoughts to dwell
too long on the dead.

Think of me now and again as I was
in life at some moment which it
is pleasant to recall.
But not too long.
Leave me in peace as I shall
leave you, too, in peace.

While you live, let your thoughts
be with the living.

Time for me to go now,
I won't say goodbye;
Look for me in rainbows,
way up in the sky.
In the morning sunrise when all the world is new,
just look for me and love me,
as you know I loved you.

It won't be forever,
the day will come and then,
my loving arms will hold you,
when we meet again.

Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on,
and cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone.
Those we love can never be more than a thought apart,
far as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in the heart.

A bud the Gardner gave us
a pure and lovely child.
He gave it to our keeping,
to cherish undefiled.
But just as it was opening, to the glory of the day,
down came the Heavenly Gardner,
and took our bud away.
O sweet little angel pray for us and
through thy prayers intercede
To the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

We need love’s tender lessons taught as only weakness can; God hath his small interpreters; the child much teach the man. ~ John Greenleaf Whittier

God’s finger touched him and he slipped away from earth’s dark shadows to a brighter day. God saw the road was getting rough, the hills were hard to climb; He gently closed his weary eyes, and whispered, “Peace be thine.” To a beautiful garden this friend has gone, to a land of perfect rest; though he is gone he still lives on in the garden of memory.

O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O Light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to Thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in Thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

O Cross that liftest up my head
I dare not ask to fly from Thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

I would rather have one little rose
from the garden of a friend
than to have the choicest flowers
When my stay on earth must end

From my window I can see,
Where the sand hills dip,
one far glimpse of open sea,
just a slender slip
Curving like a crescent moon –
yet a greater prize,
than the harbour garden-fair
Spread beneath my eyes.
~ Dorothea Mackeller

Perhaps you sent a lovely card
Or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent a floral piece,
If so, we saw it there.

Perhaps you spoke the kindest words
As any friends could say,
Perhaps you were not there at all,
Just thought of us this day.

Whatever you did, whatever your part,
We prayerfully thank you for consoling our hearts.

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all…
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss…
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life’s been full, I’ve savoured much:
Good times good friends a loved-one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.

God, grant me the courage to change
the things I can change,
the serenity to accept those I cannot change,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

The smoke ascends
In a rosy-and-golden haze. The spires
Shine and are changed. In the valley
Shadows rise. The lark sings on. The sun,
Closing his benediction,
Sinks, and the darkening air
Thrills with a sense of the triumphing night—
Night with her train of stars
And her great gift of sleep.
So be my passing!
My task accomplish'd and the long day done,
My wages taken, and in my heart
Some late lark singing,
Let me be gather'd to the quiet west,
The sundown splendid and serene.

We little knew that day,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death, we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you.
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide.
And although we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.

After the clouds, the sunshine
after the winter, the spring,
after the shower, the rainbow,
for life is a changeable thing.
After the night, the morning,
bidding all darkness cease,
after life’s cares and sorrows,
the comfort and sweetness of peace.
~ Helen Steiner Rice

There’s magic in a Mother’s touch,
and sunshine in her smile.
There’s love in everything she does
to make our lives worthwhile.
We can find both hope and courage
Just by looking in her eyes.
Her laughter is a source of joy,
her works are warm and wise.
There is a kindness and compassion
to be found in her embrace,
and we see the light of heaven
shining from a Mother’s face.

"To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed
easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think
all the walks I want to take,
all the books I want to read,
and all the friends I want to see.
The longer I live the more my mind dwells upon the beauty and the wonder of the world.

For everything there is an appointed season,
and a time for everything
under heaven.
A time for sharing,
A time for caring.
A time for loving,
A time for giving.
A time for remembering,
A time for parting.
You have made everything
Beautiful in its time
for everything you do
remains forever.

If I should die and leave you here awhile,
be not like others, sore undone,
who keep long vigil by the silent dust and weep.
For my sake turn again to life and smile,
nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do that,
which will comfort other souls than thine.
Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine,
and I, perchance may therein comfort you.
~ Mary Lee Hall

We sat beside your bedside,
our hearts were crushed and sore;
we did our best to the end,
‘til we could do no more.
In tears we watched you sinking,
we watched you fade away;
and though our harts were
breaking, we knew you could not stay.
You left behind some aching hearts,
that loved you most
sincere; we never shall and never
forget you Mother dear.

When I am gone, release me and let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many beautiful years. I gave to you my love, you can only guess, how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the LOVE you each have shown, but now it's time I traveled on alone. So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must.

Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for a while that we must part. So bless the memories within your heart. I won't be far away for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near. And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear all my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and say ... "Welcome Home"

When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little – but not too long and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared.
Miss me - but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take,
and each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan,
a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart,
go to the friends we know.
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss Me - But Let me Go!

When I must leave you for a little while please do not grieve and shed wild tears and hug your sorrow to you through the years but start out bravely with a gallant smile; and for my sake and in my name live on and do all things the same, feed not your loneliness on empty days, but fill each waking hour in useful ways, reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer and I in turn will comfort you and hold you near; and never, never be afraid to die, for I am waiting for you in the sky!

Forever earthbound are my feet,
Upon the rocky road ahead,
But high among the clouds, my thoughts,
And so my heart is comforted.
And if one shoulder aches,
I shift The burden to the other side,
Remembering the times I've laughed,
And not the ones in which I've cried.
Too short indeed these precious years,
To let a dream die needlessly,
Beyond tomorrow there awaits
A time and place designed for me,
And old hopes rising one by one,
Are golden wings against the sun!
~ Grace E. Easley

With the Saints give rest, 0 Christ,
to the souls of Thy servants, where
there is neither sickness, nor sorrow,
nor sighing, but life everlasting.
Whither we mortals all shall go making our funeral dirge the hymn: Alleluia.
Memory Eternal.

God’s finger touched her and she slipped away from earth’s dark shadows to a brighter day. God saw the road was getting rough, the hills were hard to climb; He gently closed her weary eyes, and whispered, “Peace be thine.” To a beautiful garden this friend has gone, to a land of perfect rest; though she is gone he still lives on in the garden of memory.

Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes,
and Nod is a little head,
and the wooden shoe that sailed the skies
is a wee one's trundle-bed.
So shut your eyes while Mother sings
of wonderful sights that be,
and you shall see the beautiful things,
as you rock in the misty sea,
where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three,
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.
~ Eugene Field

As I stumble through this life,
help me to create more laughter than tears,
dispense more happiness than gloom,
spread more cheer than despair.
Never let me become so indifferent
that I will fail to see the wonder
in the eyes of a child,
or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged.
Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people,
make them happy, and forget,
at least for a moment
may I hear you whisper,
"When you made My people smile,
you made Me shine."

“Life’s not about how hard of a hit you can give . . .
it’s about how many you can take,
and still keep moving forward.”
~ Rocky Balboa

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain.
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
~ Emily Dickinson

Now the labourer's task is over;
Now the battle day is past;
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager at last.
Father, in Thy gracious keeping
Leave we now thy servant sleeping.
~ John Ellerton

I find the great thing of this world is not so much where we stand,
as in what direction we are moving.
To reach the port of Heaven, we must sail;
sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it –
but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

“When this you see
remember me
and bare me in your mind.
Let all the world say what they may,
speak of me as you find.
~ Brian Jones 1968

The winds that sometimes take something we love,
are the same that bring us something we learn to love.
Therefore we should not cry about something that was taken from us,
but, yes, love what we have been given.
Because what is really ours is never gone forever.
~ Bob Marley

"I have tried to live my life
so that my family would love me
and my friends respect me.
The others can do whatever
the hell they please."
~ John Wayne

'But there will come a time,
you'll see,
with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart,
but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
with grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.'
“After the Storm”
~ Mumford & Sons

"Fly, Eagles, fly
On the road to victory
Fight, Eagles, fight
Score a touchdown 1, 2, 3
Hit 'em low
Hit 'em high
And watch our Eagles fly
On the road to victory!
E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!!!

Woah, we're half way there
Woah, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand,
we'll make it I swear
Woah, livin' on a prayer.
“Livin' on a Prayer”
~ Bon Jovi

Love me tender
Love me sweet
Never let me go
You have made my life complete
And I love you so

Love me tender
Love me true
All my dreams fulfilled
For my darlin' I love you
And I always will
Thank You, Thank You Very Much.
“Love Me Tender”
~ Elvis Presley

And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain

I've lived a life that's full
I've traveled each and every highway
But more, much more than this
I did it my way

I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way.
“My Way”
~ Frank Sinatra

We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when
but I know we'll meet again, some sunny day.
Keep smiling through, just like you always do,
'til the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away.

So will you please say hello to the folks that I know,
tell them I won't be long.
They'll be happy to know that as you saw me go,
I was singing this song.

We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when,
but I know we'll meet again, some sunny day.

Keep smiling through, just like you always do,
‘til the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away.
“We’ll Meet Again”
~ The Ink Spots
Songwriters: Hughie Charles / Ross Parker