I wrote this prayer for use at Memorial Day exercises conducted by the town I live in and so it's phrased to be as inclusive as possible of all who might be present. On Memorial Day my parish will celebrate Mass in our own cemetery where, of course, our prayer will be offered through, with and in Christ the Lord.
Memorial Day Prayer
In the quiet sanctuaries of our own hearts,
let each of us name and call on the One whose power over us
is great and gentle, firm and forgiving, holy and healing…
You who created us,
who sustain us,
who call us to live in peace,
hear our prayer this day.
Hear our prayer for all who have died,
whose hearts and hopes are known to you alone…
Hear our prayer for those who put the welfare of others
ahead of their own
ahead of their own
and give us hearts as generous as theirs…
Hear our prayer for those who gave their lives
in the service of others,
in the service of others,
and accept the gift of their sacrifice…
Help us to shape and make a world
where we will lay down the arms of war
and turn our swords into ploughshares
for a harvest of justice and peace…
for a harvest of justice and peace…
Comfort those who grieve the loss of their loved ones
and let your healing be the hope in our hearts...
Hear our prayer this day
and in your mercy answer us
in the name of all that is holy.
Amen.
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Fr. Fleming and Holy Family Parish,
ReplyDeleteOnce again, thank you for the tradition of Memorial Day Mass within the embrace of St. Bernard's cemetery. For those of us residing a distance from the site where family members are laid to physical rest, I somehow, even after many years, find comfort in knowing they are visited in this very special way.