When there's an empty chair by the Christmas tree...

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Christmas is only a week away...  Here's the newest version of my prayer for those who are grieving in the holiday season.  Please share this with any who might find it helpful...
 
There's an empty chair near the tree, Lord,
and an ache in our hearts,
and tears on our cheeks...

We'll  try to shield one another
from the loss and the grief we bear
but we know we can't hide it from you...

We pray for 

    (name the loved ones you're remembering)
whose presence we miss so much
    in these days meant for peace and for joy....

Open our hearts, our minds and our souls
    to the healing, the warmth
         and the light of your presence...

We pray and we trust that those we miss
    have found the place you prepared for them:
        their home in your heart of hearts...

Gently open our hearts, Lord,
    to memories of all the love we shared
        with those who've gone before us...

Help us tell the stories that draw us close

    to Christmases shared with the ones we miss...

Teach us to lean on you and each other
    for the strength we need
        to walk day by day through this season...

 
Be with us as, Lord, as we trim a tree

    and sing and cry through Christmas carols;
help us find and open the present you bring:
    a gift of peace - from the Prince of Peace...

Give us quiet moments with you, this week,

    our restless hearts calmed by prayer

filled with our memories, stories and tears 

    and hope of finding new joy in your birth..

Be with us, Lord, and hold us as close
    as you're holding our loved ones,

        slipped from our arms...

Help us look to the day when we'll meet again
    when your mercy gathers us home to you
        in the joy of the life you promise...

Christmas! a day that you've made, Lord:
    a day of promise, of love and grace;
help us find in this day, and even this year,
    your blessing of peace and joy...

Amen.

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