A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO KNOW LOSS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

God, the full truth of winter is that not everything in us or around us is merry and bright.

Winter, white with snow and stillness is also is the season of death and loss.

Winter cold blows across our souls and opens afresh those places where we know the ache of what or who is missing.

And so we mourn

We mourn the things missing from our life, the things not in our home or in our world

the things we wish we had to offer to those around us.

We mourn…

Empty Chairs of people gone from this world

Absent laughter and memories not made

Man of Sorrows, be with us as we remember the empty places and missing faces around the table and lift our heads to look to the day when your feast has room for all and everything sad becomes untrue.

And as we name and grieve, help us to risk opening up inside of us a room, even a small space for the possibility of a little warmth and a bit hope. May your presence be comfort and light that moves so far beyond the tinsel and twinkle.

May we feel your warm breath begin to thaw winter’s death as we wait for you to come.

Amen.

________________________

Nic Howe
Restoration Project Grove Member