Prayer Cards

Prayers are listed in alphabetical order.

23RD PSALM

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.

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121ST PSALM

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.

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AFTERGLOW 

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.

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AMAZING GRACE

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,

that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost but now am found,

was blind but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

and grace my fears relieved;

how precious did that grace appear

the hour I first believed!

The Lord has promised good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

as long as life endures.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

I have already come,

‘tis grace that brought me safe thus far,

and grace will lead me home.

When we ’ve been there ten thousand years,

bright shining as the sun,

we ’ve no less days to sing God ’s praise

than when we ’d first begun.

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BABY

God on his throne in heaven

looked around at his flowers so fair,

and then sought a blossom on earth

to add to those He had 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.

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BE AT PEACE

Do not look forward in fear to the

changes in life; rather look to them

with full hope that as they arise,

God, whose very own you are, will

lead you safely through all things;

and when you cannot stand it, God

will carry you in His arms. Do not

fear what may happen tomorrow, the

same everlasting Father who cares

for you today, will take care of you

then and everyday. He will either

shield you from suffering, or will

give you unfailing strength to bear

it. Be at peace and put aside all

anxious thoughts and imaginations.

St. Francis de Sales

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BESIDE YOUR BEDSIDE

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 hearts were breaking,

We knew you could not stay.

You left behind some aching hearts,

That loved you most sincere;

We never shall and never will

Forget you (mother/father) dear.

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BEYOND THE SUNSET

Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning.

When with our Savior heaven is begun.

Earth‘s toiling ended, O glorious dawning;

Beyond the sunset, when the day is done.

Beyond the sunset, no clouds will gather,

no storms will threaten, no fears annoy;

O day of gladness , O day unending,

Beyond the sunset, eternal joy!

Beyond the sunset, a hand will guide me

to God, the Father, whom I adore;

His glorious presence, His words of welcome,

Will be my portion on that fair shore.

Beyond the sunset, a glad reunion,

With our dear loved ones who ’ve gone before;

In that fair homeland we ’ll know no parting,

Beyond the sunset for evermore!

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BLUE SKIES

God hath not promised

Skies always blue,

Flower-strewn pathways

All our lives through;

God hath not promised

Sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow,

Peace without pain.

But God hath promised

Strength for the day,

Rest for the labor,

Light for the way.

Grace for the trials,

Help from above,

Unfailing sympathy,

Undying love...

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CARMELITE PRAYER

Death is nothing at all --I have only

slipped away into the next room.

Whatsoever we were to each other,

that we are still. Call me by my old

familiar name, speak to me in the

easy way which you always used to.

Laugh as we always laughed at the

little jokes we enjoyed together. Play,

smile, think of me, pray for me.

Let my name be the household word

that it always was. Let it be spoken

without effort. Life means all that it

has ever meant. It is the same as it

ever was, there is absolutely unbroken

continuity. Why should I be out of your

mind because I am out of your sight? I

am but waiting for you, for an interval,

somewhere very near, just around the

corner. All is well. Nothing is past,

nothing is lost. One brief moment and

all will be as it was before, only better,

infinitely happier and forever --we will

be one together with Christ.

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CHILD

God needed an angel in Heaven

to stand at the Savior ’s feet;

His choice must be the rarest

A lily pure and sweet.

He gazed upon the mighty throng

Then stopped and picked the best,

Our child was His chosen one

With Jesus (he's/she’s) now at rest.

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CHRIST HAVE MERCY

With the spirits of the righteous

made perfect, give rest to the soul

of Thy servant, O Savior; and preserve

it in that life of blessedness which is with

Thee, O Thou who lovest mankind.

In the place of Thy rest, O Lord,

where all Thy Saints repose, give

rest also to the soul of Thy servant

for Thou only lovest mankind.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

Thou art our God, who descended

into Hell, and loosened the bonds of

those who were there, Thyself give

rest also to the soul of Thy servant

now and ever unto ages of ages.

Amen.

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CROSSING THE BAR

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.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness

of farewell, When I embark;

For tho’ from out our bourne

of Time and Place

The flood may bear me far, 

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crossed the bar.

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DARLING MOTHER

What is home without a mother?

All things this world may send,

But when we lost our darling mother,

We lost our dearest friend.

Loving and kind in all your ways,

Upright and just to the end of your days;

Sincere and true, in your heart and mind;

Beautiful memories, you left behind.

However long our lives may last,

Whatever lands we view,

Whatever joy or grief be ours,

We will always think of you.

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DAYS WITHOUT END

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.

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DE PROFUNDIS

Out of the depths have I cried to

Thee O Lord: Lord hear my voice.

Let Thine ears be attentive to

the voice of my supplication.

If Thou, O Lord , wilt 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

iniquities. Eternal rest grant him,

O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

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DO NOT STAND

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 glint of snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the autumn ’s gentle rain.

When you waken 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.

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EVERLASTING LIGHT, THE

Those we love must someday pass

beyond our present sight. . .

must leave us and the world we know

without their radiant light.

But we know that like a candle

their lovely light will shine

to brighten up another place

more perfect... more divine.

And in the realm of Heaven

where they shine so warm and bright,

our loved ones live forevermore

in God’s eternal light.

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FATHER, A LIGHT

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.

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FIREFIGHTER'S PRAYER

When I am called to duty, God,

whenever flames may rage, give

me strength to save some life,

whatever be its age. Help me

embrace a little child before it is

too late, or save an older person

from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert and 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 every

neighbor and protect his property.

And if, according to my fate, I am

to lose my life, please bless with

Your protecting hand my family

and friends.

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FOOTPRINTS

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 foot-

prints. 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 most you would leave me."

The LORD replied, "My precious, precious

child, I love you and I 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."

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FOOTSTEPS

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.

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FOR A MOTHER

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 you rest in peace.

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FOUNDERS PRAYER

God made us a family

We need one another

We love 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 people

Together we serve God

Together we hope for Heaven

These are our hopes and ideals

Help us to attain them, O God

Through Jesus Christ our Lord

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GENTLE FACE

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 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 take your vacant place.

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GIVE

We seem to give them to Thee,

O God, who gavest them to us.

Yet as Thou didst not lose them in giving,

so do we not lose them by their return.

Not as the world giveth, givest Thou,

O Lover of souls, What Thou givest,

Thou takest not away,

for what is Thine is ours also if we are Thine.

And life is eternal and love is immortal,

and death is only an horizon,

and an horizon is nothing,

save the limit of our sight.

Lift us up, strong Son of God,

that we may see further;

cleanse our eyes that we may see clearly;

draw us closer to Thyself

that we may know ourselves

to be nearer to our loved ones

who are with Thee.

And while Thou dost prepare a place for us,

prepare us also for that happy place,

that where Thou art we may be also for evermore.

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GOD LENT A CHILD

"I'll lend you for a little time

a child of mine," He said

"For you to love the while he lives

and mourn for when he's dead.

It may be two or three years,

or twenty-two or three,

but will you 'til I call him back,

take care of him for me?

He will bring his charms to gladden you

and shall his stay be brief,

you will have his lovely memories

as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,

since all from earth return,

but there are lessons taught down there,

I want this child to learn.

I've looked the whole wide world over in

my search for teachers true,

and from the crowd that throngs life's

lanes I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love,

nor think the labor vain,

nor hate me when I come to call 

to take him back again."

I fancied that I heard them say,

"Dear Lord, Thy will be done.

For all the joy Thy child shall bring

the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness,

we'll love him while we may.

And for the happiness we've known,

forever grateful stay.

But shall the angels call for him much

sooner than we've planned,

we will brave the bitter grief that comes

and try to understand."

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GOD LOOKED

God looked around His garden

And found an empty place.

He then 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 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.

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GOD THE CREATOR

God the Creator and Redeemer

of all the faithful,

grant unto the soul of (Name),

Thy servant departed,

the remission of all sins;

that by pious supplications,

(he/she) may obtain that pardon

which (he/she) has always desired.

Grant this, O God,

who livest and reignest

for ever and ever. Amen.

Sweet Heart of Mary

be (his/her) salvation.

Our Father, -- Hail Mary, --

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GOD THE GIVER

"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

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HAIL MARY

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

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HAND OF GOD

Though today you walk in sorrow,

you will not be alone.

There is One whose loving wisdom

Is far greater than our own.

Put your trusting hand in His,

As a little child would do,

And He, like a loving father,

Will guide and comfort you!

Day by day, there will come to you

New faith, new hope, new light;

You'll find that stars unseen by day

Shine through the darkest night.

And though your heart is longing,

For the dear one who's at rest,

You'll know before the journey's end

That God's dear ways are best!

Jessie Home Fairweather

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HAPPY SOUL

O happy soul,

be thankful now, and rest!

Heaven is a goodly land:

And God is love; and those He

loves are Blest;

Now thou dost understand

The least thou hast is

better than the best

That thou didst hope for;

new upon Thine eyes.

The new life opens fair;

Before thy feet the

blessed journey lies

Through homelands

everywhere;

And heaven to Thee

is all a sweet surprise.

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HIS / HER JOURNEY

Don't think of (him/her) as gone away,

her journey's just begun.

Life holds so many facets

this earth is only one.

Just think of her as resting

from the sorrow and the tears,

in a place of warmth and comfort,

where there are no days and years.

Think how she must be wishing

that we could know today

how nothing but our sadness

can really pass away.

And think of her as living

in the hearts of those she touched,

for nothing loved is ever lost,

and she was loved so much.

Ellen Brenneman

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I'M FREE

Don't grieve for me now, I'm free.

I'm following the path God laid for me.

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 close of day.

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 will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I've savored much;

good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,

don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and share with me,

for God wanted me now.

He set me free.

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INCLINE THINE EAR

"We have loved them during life,

let us not abandon them, until we

have conducted them by our prayers

in the house of the Lord"

                 St. Ambrose

Incline Thine ear, O Lord, unto our

prayers, wherein we humbly pray Thee

to show Thy mercy upon the soul of

Thy servant, whom Thou hast 

commanded to pass out of this world,

that Thou wouldst place him in the

region of peace and light, and bid

him be a partaker with Thy Saints.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen

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IRISH BLESSING

May the road rise

to meet you,

May the wind be always

at your back,

May the sun shine warm

upon your face,

The rains fall soft

upon your fields,

And until we meet again

May God hold you in the palm

of his hand.

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JESUS

O God, who dost design

mercifully to bestow upon us

infinite treasures of love in

the heart of Thy Son, which

was wounded for our sins,

grant, we beseech Thee, that

we who pay Him the devout

homage of our piety, may in

like manner show unto Thee

our due of worthy satisfaction.

Through the same Christ

our Lord. Amen.

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JOHN 14:1-3

Let not your hearts be troubled;

believe in God, believe also in Me.

In my Father's house are many rooms;

if it were not so, would I have told

you that I go and prepare a place

for you?

And when I go and prepare a place

for you, I will come again and will

take you to Myself, that where I am

you may be also.

            John 14:1-3

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LAUGH

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 have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

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LEAF

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.

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LIFE

Life is but a stopping place,

A pause in what's to be,

A resting place along the road

to sweet eternity.

We all have different journeys,

Different paths along the way,

We all were meant to learn

some things,

But never meant to stay...

Our destination is a place

far greater than we know

For some, the journey's quicker,

For some the journey's slow.

And when the journey finally ends,

We'll claim a great reward,

And find an everlasting peace,

Together with the Lord.

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LITTLE ANGEL

When God calls little children to

dwell with Him above, we mortals

sometimes question the wisdom of

His Love. For no heartache compares

with the death of one small child,

who does so much to make our world

seem wonderful and mild. Perhaps

God tires of calling the aged to His

fold, so He picks a rosebud before

it can grow old. God knows how much

we need them, and so He takes a few

to make the land of Heaven more

beautiful to view. Believing this is

difficult, still somehow we must try.

The saddest word mankind knows

will always be “Good-bye”. So, when

a little child departs, we who are left 

behind must realize God loves children.

Angels are hard to find.

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LITTLE CHILDREN

When God calls little children to

dwell with Him above, we mortals

sometimes question the wisdom of

His Love. For no heartache compares

with the death of one small child,

who does so much to make our world

seem wonderful and mild. Perhaps

God tires of calling the aged to His

fold, so He picks a rosebud before

it can grow old. God knows how much

we need them, and so He takes a few

to make the land of Heaven more

beautiful to view. Believing this is

difficult, still somehow we must try.

The saddest word mankind knows

will always be "Good-bye". So, when

a little child departs, we who are

left behind must realize,

God loves little children.

Angels Are Hard To Find.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LITTLE ROSE

I would rather have a little rose

From the garden of a friend,

Than have the choicest flowers

When my stay on earth shall end.

I would rather have the kindest words

And a smile that I can see,

Than flattery when my heart is still

And this life ceased to be.

I would rather have a loving smile

From the friends I know are true,

Than tears shed around my casket

When the world I bid adieu.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LIVING

When I am dead,

cry for me a little.

Think of me sometimes,

but not too much.

It is not good for you, or your wife

or your husband, or your children

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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LORD SUPPORT US

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LORD'S PRAYER (CATHOLIC)

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LORD'S PRAYER (PROTESTANT)

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LOVE

Love is patient; Love is kind;

Love is not jealous,

it does not put on airs,

it is not snobbish.

Love is never rude.

It is not self seeking,

it is not prone to anger;

neither does it

brood over injuries.

Love does not rejoice

in what is wrong

but rejoices with the truth.

There is no limit to

Love's forbearance, its trust,

its hope, its power to endure.

Love never fails.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LOVED HIM/HER

Father we entrust our 

(brother/sister) to your mercy.

You loved (him/her) greatly in this

life. Now that (he/she) is freed from

all its cares, give (him/her) happiness

and peace forever.

Welcome (him/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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MAGIC OF MOTHER

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 words 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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MARINE

Almighty Father, whose command is

over all and whose love never fails,

make me aware of Thy presence and

obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self,

guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and

deed and helping me to live so that I can

face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee

without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine

and to accept my share of responsibilities

with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage

to be proficient in my daily performance.

Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors

and to the duties my Country and the

Marine Corps have entrusted to me.

Make me considerate of those committed to my

leadership. Help me to wear my uniform

with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the

traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith;

if I am tempted, make me strong to resist;

if I should miss the mark,

give me the courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth

and grant me wisdom by which I may

understand the answer to my prayer.

Amen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MAY THE ANGELS

May the angels lead thee into paradise.

May the martyrs receive thee at thy coming

and take thee to the holy city.

May the choirs of the angels receive

thee and mayest thou have

rest everlasting.

Amen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MEMORARE

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 do 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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MEMORY

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,

For as long as there is memory,

They'll live on in our heart.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MISS ME

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 we all must take,

and each must go alone.

It's all part of the Master 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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MOST IMPORTANT PERSON ON EARTH

The most important person

on earth is a mother. She can-

not claim the honor of having

built Notre Dame Cathedral.

She need not. She has built

something more magnificent

than any cathedral - a dwelling

for an immortal soul, the tiny

perfection of her baby's body.

"The angels have not been

blessed with such grace. They

cannot share in God's creative

miracle to bring new saints to

Heaven. Only a human mother

can. Mothers are closer to God

the Creator than any other

creatures. God joins forces with

mothers in performing this act

of creation..."

"What on God's good earth

is more glorious than this: to

be a mother?"

-Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MOTHER

Nobody dies,

and Mother least of all.

Her loving guise,

the sound of her footfall,

brighten the dark hall.

Some feature of her face

repeats in every year.

Her voice, her gentle grace,

in some dear child appear,

Her vision stills our fear.

She cannot pass

while our remembering

crowns the green grass

with happy flowers of Spring.

Recalling everything;

her kindness most of all,

that passed nobody by.

Whatever may befall,

whatever changing sky,

Mother will not die.

by Anne Campbell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MARINE

Almighty Father, whose command is

over all and whose love never fails,

make me aware of Thy presence and

obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self,

guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and

deed and helping me to live so that I can

face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee

without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine

and to accept my share of responsibilities

with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage

to be proficient in my daily performance.

Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors

and to the duties my Country and the

Marine Corps have entrusted to me.

Make me considerate of those committed to my

leadership. Help me to wear my uniform

with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the

traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith;

if I am tempted, make me strong to resist;

if I should miss the mark,

give me the courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth

and grant me wisdom by which I may

understand the answer to my prayer.

Amen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MAY THE ANGELS

May the angels lead thee into paradise.

May the martyrs receive thee at thy coming

and take thee to the holy city.

May the choirs of the angels receive

thee and mayest thou have

rest everlasting.

Amen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MEMORARE

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 do 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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MEMORY

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,

For as long as there is memory,

They'll live on in our heart.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MISS ME

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 we all must take,

and each must go alone.

It's all part of the Master 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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MOST IMPORTANT PERSON ON EARTH

The most important person

on earth is a mother. She can-

not claim the honor of having

built Notre Dame Cathedral.

She need not. She has built

something more magnificent

than any cathedral - a dwelling

for an immortal soul, the tiny

perfection of her baby's body.

"The angels have not been

blessed with such grace. They

cannot share in God's creative

miracle to bring new saints to

Heaven. Only a human mother

can. Mothers are closer to God

the Creator than any other

creatures. God joins forces with

mothers in performing this act

of creation..."

"What on God's good earth

is more glorious than this: to

be a mother?"

-Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MOTHER

Nobody dies,

and Mother least of all.

Her loving guise,

the sound of her footfall,

brighten the dark hall.

Some feature of her face

repeats in every year.

Her voice, her gentle grace,

in some dear child appear,

Her vision stills our fear.

She cannot pass

while our remembering

crowns the green grass

with happy flowers of Spring.

Recalling everything;

her kindness most of all,

that passed nobody by.

Whatever may befall,

whatever changing sky,

Mother will not die.

by Anne Campbell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MOTHER, A LIGHT

A light is from our household gone,

a voice we loved is still,

a place is vacant in our home,

that never can be filled.

You can only have one mother,

patient, kind and true,

no other friend in all the world,

will be the same to you.

When other friends forsake you,

to mother you will return,

for all her loving kindness,

she asks nothing in return.

As we look upon her picture,

sweet memories we recall,

of a face so full of sunshine,

and a smile for one and all.

Sweet Jesus take our message,

to our dear mother up above,

Tell her how we miss her,

and give her all our love.

May She Rest in Peace.

Amen.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MOTHER DEAR

Dear Mother, I’m grateful

For your tender cares,

The worries and heartaches

And your constant prayers.

May Mary, God’s Mother,

Spread her mantle blue,

Enfold you forever

With her Son there, too.

Each day while I’m thinking

Heaven is meant for you,

My heart keeps on singing,

Mother, Mother, I love you.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MUSIC

Music has moments of rapturous sound

and intervals of rest.

It thrills the heart

with its majesty

and soothes it when suppressed.

Life too has ringing,

throbbing tones

and muted, silent keys,

Yet both are merged

at the Master's touch

Into living symphonies.

Florence Emeline Wright

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NURSE'S PRAYER

Almighty God,

Divine Healer of all, grant me, 

Your handmaiden, strength 

and courage in my calling.

Give to my heart compassion and 

understanding. Give to my hands still 

and tenderness. Give to my mind

knowledge and wisdom.

Especially, Dear Lord,

help me always to remember

the true purpose of my vocation,

that of selfless service and dedication

to the weak and despairing 

in body and spirit.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

O GENTLEST HEART

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 

judgment but let some drops of Thy

Precious Blood fall upon the devour-

ing flames, and do Thou O Merciful

Savior, send Thy Angels to conduct

Thy departed servant to a place of

refreshment, light and peace. Amen

Merciful Jesus grant eternal rest.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OUR HOPE

We commend our dearly departed into

Your hand, O Merciful God.

In faith, we believe that having died

in Christ, our departed loved one will

rise again on the last day with Him.

We give You thanks for allowing us to

share the good things of this earthly life

with our dearly departed.

Accept our prayer that the gates of

Heaven will be opened to

Your departed servant.

Comfort us in our sorrow

as we wait in joyful expectation

to be united with all our loved ones

and greet Christ in glory.

Amen.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OUR LADY OF MIRACULOUS MEDAL

O Mother of God, Mary Immaculate,

we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to you

under the title of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal.

May this Medal be for each one of us a

sure sign of your affection for us and a constant

reminder of our duties toward you.

Even while wearing it, may we be

blessed by your loving protection and

preserved in the grace of your Son,

O most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior

keep us close to you every moment of our lives.

Obtain for us, your children,

the grace of a happy death;

so that in union with you,

we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever.

Amen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PERHAPS

Perhaps you sent a lovely card

Or sat quietly in a chair.

Perhaps you sent a funeral spray,

If so, we saw it there.

Perhaps you spoke the kindest words,

As any friend could say.

Perhaps you were not there at all,

Just thought of us that day.

Whatever you did to console our hearts,

We thank you so much whatever the part.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PERPETUAL HELP

O Mother of perpetual help, grant

that I may ever invoke Your most

powerful name, which is the

safeguard of the living and the

salvation of the dying. O Purest

Mary! O Sweetest Mary! Let Your name

henceforth be ever on my lips. Delay

not, O blessed Lady. To help me when

ever I call on You, for in all my

temptations, in all my needs, I

shall never cease to call on You.

Ever repeating Your sacred name,

Mary! Mary! O what consolation, what

sweetness, what confidence, what

emotion fills my soul when I utter

Your sacred name, or even only think

of You. But I will not be content

with merely uttering Your Name, let

my love for You prompt me ever to

hail You, Mother of Perpetual Help.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

POLICEMAN'S PRAYER

"He will remain in our hearts forever..."

O Almighty God whose great power

and eternal wisdom embrace the

universe, watch over all Policemen

and Law Enforcement Officers. Protect

them from harm in the performance

of their duty to stop crime,

robberies, riots and violence.

We pray to help them keep our streets

and homes safe day and night. We

recommend them to your care because

their duty is dangerous. Grant them

Your unending strength and courage

in their daily assignments. Dear God

protect these brave officers, grant them

Your almighty protection, unite them

safely with their families after duty ends.

Amen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PRAYER FOR YOU, A

I said a prayer for you today

And know God must have heard--

I felt the answer in my heart

Although he spoke no word!

I didn't ask for wealth or fame

(I knew you wouldn't mind)--

I asked Him to send treasures

Of a far more lasting kind!

I asked that He'd be near you

At the start of each new day

To grant you health and blessings

And friends to share your way!

I asked for happiness for you

In all things great and small--

But it was for His loving care

I prayed the most of all!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PRAYER FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

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 though pious supplications

They may obtain the pardon

Which they have always desired

Who livest and reignest

World without end. Amen.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PRECIOUS GIFT

One gift, above all others,

God gives to us to treasure.

One that knows no time, no place

and one gold cannot measure.

The precious, poignant tender gift

Of Memory --- that will keep

Our dear ones ever in our hearts,

Although God gives them sleep.

It brings back long remembered things:

A song, a word, a smile

And our world's a better place

- - - because

We had them for awhile!

Jessie H. Fairweather

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RESURRECTION

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 word of faith until we greet 

Christ in glory and are united with 

You and our departed.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ROMAN RITUAL

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

Roman Ritual

May the Souls of all the

faithful departed, through the

mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ROMANS 14:7-8

None of us live unto himself,

and none of us dies unto himself.

If we live, we live to the Lord,

and if we die, we die to the Lord.

So then whether we live or

whether we die, we are the Lord's.

             Romans 14:7-8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SAFELY HOME

I am in Heaven, dear ones;

Oh, so happy and so bright!

There is perfect joy and beauty

In His 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 illumined

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!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SHE IS GONE

I am standing on the seashore.

A ship spreads her sails to the

morning breeze and starts for 

the ocean. I am watching until 

she fades on the horizon, and

someone at my side says,

“She is gone.”

Gone where? The loss of sight 

is in me, not in her. Just at the

moment when someone says

“She is gone,” There are others

who are watching her coming.

Other voices take up the glad

shout, “Here she comes!”....

And that is dying.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SERENITY PRAYER

God grant me the serenity to

accept the things I cannot change.

The courage to change the things

I can, and the wisdom 

to know the difference.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SONGS OF THE ANGELS

May the songs of the angels welcome you,

and guide you along your way.

May the smiles of the martyrs greet your own

as darkness turns into day.

Ev'ry fear will be undone

and death will be no more.

As songs of the angels bring you home

before the face of God.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ST. ANNE

O Glorious St. Anne Thou art filled

with compassion for those who invoke

thee and with love for those who

suffer! Heavily laden with the

weight of my troubles, I therefore

cast myself at Thy feet and humbly

beg of Thee to take under Thy

special protection the present

affair which I recommend to Thee.

Vouchsafe to recommend it to Thy

Daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary,

and lay it before the throne of

Jesus, so that He may bring it to a

happy issue. Cease not to intercede

for me until my request is granted.

Above all obtain for me the grace of

one day to behold my God face to

face, and with Thee and Mary and

the saints to praise and bless Him

for all Eternity. Amen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ST. ANTHONY

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 whosoever

visits it for nine consecutive Tuesdays,

and there piously invokes Thee, will

feel the power of Thy 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 of my salvation.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ST. ANTHONY, UNFAILING PRAYER TO

O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of

Saints, your love for God and

charity for His creatures, made you

worthy, when on earth, to possess

miraculous powers. Miracles waited

on your word, which you were ever

ready to speak for those in trouble

or anxiety. O gentle and loving

St. Anthony, whose heart was ever

full of human sympathy, whisper

my petition into the ears of the

Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to

be folded in your arms; 

and the gratitude of my heart 

will ever be yours.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ST. AUGUSTINE

Watch Thou, dear Lord,

with those who wake,

or watch, or weep tonight

and give Your angels charge

over those who sleep.

Tend Your sick ones,

O Lord Christ,

rest Your weary ones,

pity Your dying ones,

pity Your afflicted ones,

and all for Your love's sake!

St. Augustine

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ST. FRANCIS

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.

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ST. JOSEPH

Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so

great, so strong, so prompt before the

throne of God, I place in you all my interest

and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist

me by your powerful intercession, and obtain

for me from your divine foster-Son all

spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our

Lord; so that, having engaged here below

your heavenly power, I may offer my

thanks - giving and homage to the most 

loving of Fathers. Oh, St. Joseph, I never

weary 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 us.

Amen.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ST. JUDE 

O glorious Apostle, St. Jude Thaddeus true

relative of Jesus and Mary, I salute you

through the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Through this Heart I praise and thank God

for all the graces He has bestowed upon you.

Humbly prostrate before you, I implore

you through this heart to look down upon me

with compassion. Oh despise not my poor

prayer, let not my trust be confounded.

To you God has granted the privilege of

aiding mankind in the most desperate cases.

Oh, come to my aid that I may praise the

mercies of God. All my life I will be

grateful to you and will be your faithful

client until I can thank you in heaven.

Amen.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ST. MICHAEL

St. Michael the Archangel,

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ST. PATRICK

O great Apostle of Ireland,

glorious St. Patrick to whom

under God, so many are indebted for

the most precious of all treasures,

the great gift of Faith.

Receive our fervent thanks for the

zeal and charity which have been to

thousands the source of blessings

so invaluable.

Ask for all who dwell in this land

and the land of thy labors, the

precious light of faith, and beg for

us on whom its glorious rays have

long since beamed, the grace to

regulate our lives by its

sacred maxims.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ST. PUCCI (Her)

We seem to give her back to You, O Lord,

who gave her to us.

Yet as You did not lose him in giving,

so we do not lose her by her return.

Not as the world gives, do You give O Lover of souls,

What You give You do not take away,

for what is Yours is ours also, if we are Yours,

And life is eternal and love is immortal,

and death is only an horizon,

and an horizon is nothing but the limit of our sight.

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.

And while You prepare a place for us,

prepare us also for the happy place that where

You are we may be also evermore.

Amen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ST. PUCCI (Him)

We seem to give him back to You, O Lord,

who gave him to us.

Yet as You did not lose him in giving,

so we do not lose him by his return.

Not as the world gives,

do You give O Lover of souls.

What You give You do not take away,

for what is Yours is ours also, if we are Yours.

And life is eternal and love is immortal,

and death is only an horizon,

and an horizon is nothing but the limit of our sight.

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,

And while You prepare a place for us,

prepare us also for the happy place that where

You are we may be also evermore.

Amen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ST. THERESA

O Little flower of Jesus,

Ever consoling troubled souls

with Heavenly Graces,

In your unfailing intercession

I place my confident trust.

From the Heart of our Blessed

Savior petition these Blessings

of which I stand in greatest need.

Shower upon me your promised Roses

of Virtue and Grace, dear

St. Theresa, so that swiftly

advancing in sanctity and in

perfect love of neighbor, I may

someday receive the

Crown of Life Eternal.

Amen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SUNSET

Should you go first and I remain, to

walk the road alone.

I'll live in memories garden dear,

with happy days we've known.

In spring I'll wait for roses red,

when faded the lilacs blue.

In early fall when brown leaves fall,

I'll catch a glimpse of you.

I'll hear your voice, I'll see you smile

tho blindly I may grope.

The memory of your helping hand

will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain

one thing I'll have you do:

Walk slowly down that long, long path

for soon I'll follow you.

I want to know each step you take,

so I may take the same.

for someday down that lonely road,

you'll hear me call your name.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TAPS

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.

Amen.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THANK YOU FOR CARING

When someone takes the time to listen,

When someone reaches out,

When someone does a thoughtful thing

That makes you warm throughout.

When someone lends a helping hand,

Finds ways in which to share,

When someone makes you feel secure

By always being there.

When someone senses there are times

When you have special needs,

When someone gives you inner strength

Through words as well as deeds.

When someone seems to take an interest

In just how you're faring,

It's time to tell that special someone

Thanks so much for caring!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THE PLAN

Our Lives are but fine weavings

That God and we prepare,

Each life becomes a fabric planned

And fashioned in His care.

We may not always see just how

The weavings intertwine,

But we must trust the Master’s hand

And follow His design,

For He can view the pattern

Upon the upper side,

While we must look from underneath

And trust in Him to guide...

Sometimes a strand of sorrow

Is added to His plan,

And though it's difficult for us,

We still must understand

That it's He who fills the shuttle,

It's He who knows what's best,

So we must weave in patience

And leave to Him the rest...

Not till the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Shall God unroll the canvas

And explain the reason why---

The dark threads are as needed

In the Weaver's skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THEY SAY

They say there is a reason,

They say that time will heal,

But neither time or reason,

Will change the way we feel.

For no one knows the heartache

That lies beyond our smiles,

No one knows how many times

We have broken down and cried,

We want to tell you something,

So there won’t be any doubt,

You're so wonderful to think of,

But so hard to be without.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TO THOSE I LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVE ME

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do.

You must not tie yourself to me with tears.

Be thankful for our 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 have shown,

But now it’s time I travel on alone.

So grieve a while if 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,

And if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can’t see me 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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TOO LITTLE TIME

Too Little Time:

I 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.

John Burroughs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TREASURED SEASONS

For everything there is

an appointed season,

and a time for every purpose

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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TREE

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast:

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WALK IN SUNSHINE

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.

The Lord Be With You

And May You Rest In Peace

Amen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WE GIVE THEM BACK

We seem to give them to thee, 

O God, who gavest them to us. 

Yet as Thou didst not lose them in giving, 

so do we not lose them by their return. 

Not as the world giveth, givest Thou, 

O Lover of souls. What Thou givest, 

Thou takest not away, 

for what is Thine is ours also if we are Thine. 

And life is eternal and love is immortal, 

and death is only an horizon, 

and an horizon is nothing, 

save the limit of our sight. 

Lift us up, strong Son of God, 

that we may see further; 

cleanse our eyes that we may see clearly; 

draw us closer to Thyself that we may know ourselves 

to be nearer to our loved ones who are with Thee. 

And while Thou dost prepare a place for us, 

prepare us also for that happy place, 

that where Thou art we may be also for evermore.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WE’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER

We’ll always remember

that special smile,

that caring heart,

that warm embrace

you always gave us.

We’ll always remember

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 any one

to replace you in our hearts

and the love we will always

have for you.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WHEN I MUST LEAVE

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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WHEN I’M GONE

When I’m Gone.

Give what’s left of me away to children

and to old folks that wait to die.

And if you need to cry, cry for your brother 

and sister walking the street beside you.

And when you need me, put your arms

around someone and give them what

you need to give to me.

I want to leave you something, 

some thing better than words or sounds.

Look for me in the people I’ve known and loved,

And if you cannot give me away, at

least let me live in your eyes and not in your mind.

You can love me most by letting hands

touch hands, by letting bodies touch

bodies, and by letting go of children

that need to be free.

Love doesn’t die, people do.

So, when all that’s left of me is love,

give me away.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WINGS AGAINST THE SUN

Forever earthbound are my feet,

Upon the rocky road ahead,

But high among the clouds, my thoughts,

And so my heart is comforted.

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

YOU TOILED SO HARD

You toiled so hard for those you loved,

You said good-bye to none.

Your spirit flew before we knew

Your work on earth was done.

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.

Your life was love and labor,

Your love for your family true,

You did the best for all of us,

We will always remember you.

The Lord be with you (Name),

now and for evermore. Amen

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