For Rob, pray with me

I wrote and posted this here this morning. I'm on the writing team, and assistant webmaster; it was my turn to publish prayers for the week's news, yesterday. I want to share them here.

It’s Friday morning. I was supposed to write these prayers last night. I completely forgot.

I’m working at a retreat center this summer, two hours from home. Two days ago, my associate priest died of congestive heart failure. We all knew it was coming; he’d been battling bone cancer for some time. He died surrounded by his family, members of our church community, and the Franciscan brothers with whom he lived. He left this world in a circle of enormous love.

And he left his love with us. I miss my home so much I can taste it—at the same time, I am so proud of them for giving him such a gentle, attentive passing.

These are the thoughts, and the prayers, that I have.
For the soul of Rob, and for all who leave this world in peace, love, and light:
We give thanks to you.

For all who die in violence, and too young:
We give thanks to you.

For all who wake up every morning and eat a thoughtless breakfast:
We give thanks to you.

For all who must struggle for food and shelter:
We give thanks to you.

For all who sleep in silence and peace:
We give thanks to you.

For all whose dreams are broken by gunfire:
We give thanks to you.

For all who live their lives surrounded by love:
We give thanks to you.

For all who are alone, even in a crowd of people:
We give thanks to you.

For all who give their lives daily in the service of others:
We give thanks to you.

For all who don’t know where to begin:
We give thanks to you.

We lift up these prayers, and the prayers of all who pray, in every language and without words.
Amen.