A few weeks ago I wrote about the death of my friend.
Today I would like to share the brief scriptures and prayer that I will read at her memorial service.
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God … They are at peace.
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Jesus said, “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 shall never die.”
Eternal God, our heavenly Father, who loves us with an everlasting love, and can turn the shadow of death into morning; help us now to wait upon you; with reverent and submissive hearts. In the silence of this hour speak to us of eternal things, that through patience and comfort of Scriptures we may have hope, and be lifted above our darkness into the light and peace of your presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me 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.
Even 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 overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalm 23)
[This brief excerpt is based on the reading in the Book of Common Order of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, Second Edition 1965.]
