A prayer for one who has died

I was asked to prepare a prayer for a memorial service today. This is what I was able to offer. Considering the last post, it felt appropriate to share it here…

Oh Mystery,

We are born into the world
a star rising in the night.

We shine,
We burn.

Our bodies ache with love
and longing.

Our lives filled
with sorrow and joy

Then,
in a moment,
so fast,
so fast,
that star falls below the horizon.

And now, here we are,
those who remain.

And that flickering light
becomes memory

Held in our minds
and your broad embrace.

May we cherish
the preciousness of it all.

Amen.