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 righteousnessfor His name ’s sake.Yea, though I walk through the valleyof the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thystaff they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in thepresence of mine enemies;Thou anointest my head with oil;my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy shall followme all the days of my life, and I willdwell 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 meto be a happy one,I’d like to leave an afterglowof smiles when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echowhispering softly down the ways,of happy times and laughing timesand bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears, of those who grieve, to dry before the sunof happy memories that I leavewhen 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 appearthe hour I first believed!The Lord has promised good to me,His word my hope secures;He will my shield and portion beas 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 praisethan when we ’d first begun.

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BABY

God on his throne in heavenlooked around at his flowers so fair,and then sought a blossom on earthto add to those He had there.To be part of such heavenly companythe bloom must be pure and sweet,and the little bud that was chosenwas the child who had played at our feet.Sorrow is great at the loss of our childat 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 thechanges in life; rather look to themwith full hope that as they arise,God, whose very own you are, willlead you safely through all things;and when you cannot stand it, Godwill carry you in His arms. Do notfear what may happen tomorrow, thesame everlasting Father who caresfor you today, will take care of youthen and everyday. He will eithershield you from suffering, or willgive you unfailing strength to bearit. Be at peace and put aside allanxious 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 sinkingWe 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 willForget 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 meto 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 promisedSkies always blue,Flower-strewn pathwaysAll our lives through;

God hath not promisedSun without rain,Joy without sorrow,Peace without pain.

But God hath promisedStrength 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 onlyslipped away into the next room.Whatsoever we were to each other,that we are still. Call me by my oldfamiliar name, speak to me in theeasy way which you always used to.Laugh as we always laughed at thelittle jokes we enjoyed together. Play,smile, think of me, pray for me.Let my name be the household wordthat it always was. Let it be spokenwithout effort. Life means all that ithas ever meant. It is the same as itever was, there is absolutely unbrokencontinuity. Why should I be out of yourmind because I am out of your sight? Iam but waiting for you, for an interval,somewhere very near, just around thecorner. All is well. Nothing is past,nothing is lost. One brief moment andall will be as it was before, only better,infinitely happier and forever --we willbe one together with Christ.

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CHILD

God needed an angel in Heavento stand at the Savior ’s feet;His choice must be the rarestA lily pure and sweet.He gazed upon the mighty throngThen stopped and picked the best,Our child was His chosen oneWith Jesus (he's/she’s) now at rest.

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CHRIST HAVE MERCY

With the spirits of the righteousmade perfect, give rest to the soulof Thy servant, O Savior; and preserveit in that life of blessedness which is withThee, O Thou who lovest mankind.In the place of Thy rest, O Lord,where all Thy Saints repose, giverest also to the soul of Thy servantfor Thou only lovest mankind.Glory to the Father, and to the Son,and to the Holy Spirit:Thou art our God, who descendedinto Hell, and loosened the bonds ofthose who were there, Thyself giverest also to the soul of Thy servantnow 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 outthe boundless deep.Turns again home.Twilight and evening bell,And after that the dark!And may there be no sadnessof farewell, When I embark;For tho’ from out our bourneof Time and PlaceThe flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to faceWhen 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 thatlife is short and the day of our deathis known to You alone.May Your Holy spirit lead us tolive in holiness and justice all our days.Then, after serving you in thefellowship of Your church, withstrong faith, consoling hope, andperfect love for all, may we joyfullycome to Your kingdom.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

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DE PROFUNDIS

Out of the depths have I cried toThee O Lord: Lord hear my voice.Let Thine ears be attentive tothe voice of my supplication.If Thou, O Lord , wilt markiniquities, Lord who shall stand it?For with Thee there is mercifulforgiveness: 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 mercyand with Him plenteous redemption.

And He shall redeem Israel from alliniquities. 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 rushOf 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 passbeyond our present sight. . .must leave us and the world we knowwithout their radiant light.But we know that like a candletheir lovely light will shineto brighten up another placemore perfect... more divine.And in the realm of Heavenwhere they shine so warm and bright,our loved ones live forevermorein 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 thereWith 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 receiveyou and may you have restand peace everlasting. Amen.

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FIREFIGHTER'S PRAYER

When I am called to duty, God,whenever flames may rage, giveme strength to save some life,whatever be its age. Help meembrace a little child before it istoo late, or save an older personfrom the horror of that fate.Enable me to be alert and hear theweakest shout, and quickly andefficiently to put the fire out. Iwant to fill my calling, and to givethe best in me, to guard my everyneighbor and protect his property.And if, according to my fate, I amto lose my life, please bless withYour protecting hand my familyand friends.

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FOOTPRINTS

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed hewas walking along the beach with the Lord.Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. Foreach scene, he noticed two sets of footprints inthe sand. One belonged to him, and the other tothe LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed beforehim, he looked back at the footprints in thesand. He noticed that many times along thepath of his life there was only one set of foot-prints. He also noticed that it happened at thevery lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned theLORD about it. "LORD, you said that once Idecided to follow you, you'd walk with me allthe way. But I have noticed that during themost troublesome times in my life, there is onlyone set of footprints. I don't understand whywhen I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied, "My precious, preciouschild, I love you and I would never leave you.During your times of trial and suffering, whenyou see only one set of footprints, it was thenthat 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 eyelidsAnd 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 familyWe need one anotherWe love one anotherWe work togetherWe play togetherWe worship togetherTogether we use God's wordTogether we grow in ChristTogether we love all peopleTogether we serve GodTogether we hope for HeavenThese are our hopes and idealsHelp us to attain them, O GodThrough Jesus Christ our Lord

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GENTLE FACE

Your gentle face and patient smileWith sadness we recall.You had a kindly word for eachAnd died beloved by all.

The voice is mute andStilled the heart,That loved us well and true.Ah, bitter was the trial to partFrom 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 Thyselfthat we may know ourselvesto be nearer to our loved oneswho 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 timea child of mine," He said"For you to love the while he livesand 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 youand shall his stay be brief,you will have his lovely memoriesas 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 inmy search for teachers true,and from the crowd that throngs life'slanes 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 bringthe 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 muchsooner than we've planned,we will brave the bitter grief that comesand try to understand."

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GOD LOOKED

God looked around His gardenAnd found an empty place.He then looked down upon the earth,And saw your tired face.He put his arms around youAnd lifted you to rest.God's garden must be beautifulHe 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 youBut you didn't go alone,For part of us went with youThe day God called you home.

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GOD THE CREATOR

God the Creator and Redeemerof 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 pardonwhich (he/she) has always desired.Grant this, O God,who livest and reignestfor ever and ever. Amen.

Sweet Heart of Marybe (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 loverof human salvation, have mercy onyour servant who has departed fromthis world. May the intercession ofthe Blessed Mary ever Virgin, andall your Saints assist this soul inattaining eternal happiness.

May the souls of all the faithfuldeparted, through the mercy of Godrest in peace.

Amen

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HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace,the Lord is with Thee:blessed art Thou among womenand blessed is the fruit ofThy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of Godpray 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 wisdomIs 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 youNew faith, new hope, new light;You'll find that stars unseen by dayShine 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 endThat 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 Heloves are Blest;Now thou dost understandThe least thou hast isbetter than the bestThat thou didst hope for;new upon Thine eyes.The new life opens fair;Before thy feet theblessed journey liesThrough homelandseverywhere;And heaven to Theeis 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 facetsthis earth is only one.Just think of her as restingfrom the sorrow and the tears,in a place of warmth and comfort,where there are no days and years.Think how she must be wishingthat we could know todayhow nothing but our sadnesscan really pass away.And think of her as livingin 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 dayto 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 voidthen 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 wehave conducted them by our prayersin the house of the Lord"                                 St. Ambrose

Incline Thine ear, O Lord, unto ourprayers, wherein we humbly pray Theeto show Thy mercy upon the soul ofThy servant, whom Thou hast   commanded to pass out of this world,that Thou wouldst place him in theregion of peace and light, and bidhim be a partaker with Thy Saints.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen

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IRISH BLESSING

May the road riseto meet you,May the wind be alwaysat your back,May the sun shine warmupon your face,The rains fall softupon your fields,And until we meet againMay God hold you in the palmof his hand.

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JESUS

O God, who dost designmercifully to bestow upon usinfinite treasures of love inthe heart of Thy Son, whichwas wounded for our sins,grant, we beseech Thee, thatwe who pay Him the devouthomage of our piety, may inlike manner show unto Theeour due of worthy satisfaction.Through the same Christour 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 toldyou that I go and prepare a placefor you?

And when I go and prepare a placefor you, I will come again and willtake you to Myself, that where I amyou may be also.

                        John 14:1-3

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LAUGH

To laugh often and much;to win the respect of intelligent peopleand the affection of children;to earn the appreciation of honest criticsand endure the betrayal of false friends;to appreciate beauty;to find the best in others;to leave the world a bit betterwhether by a healthy child,a garden patch,or a redeemed social condition;to know even one life has breathed easierbecause you have lived.This is to have succeeded.

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LEAF

Leaf after leafflower after flowersome in the dawn of daysome in the after hour.Alive they flourish,and alive they falland the earth that sustained themreceives 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 roadto sweet eternity.We all have different journeys,Different paths along the way,We all were meant to learnsome things,But never meant to stay...Our destination is a placefar greater than we knowFor 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 todwell with Him above, we mortalssometimes question the wisdom ofHis Love. For no heartache compareswith the death of one small child,who does so much to make our worldseem wonderful and mild. PerhapsGod tires of calling the aged to Hisfold, so He picks a rosebud beforeit can grow old. God knows how muchwe need them, and so He takes a fewto make the land of Heaven morebeautiful to view. Believing this isdifficult, still somehow we must try.The saddest word mankind knowswill always be “Good-bye”. So, whena 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 todwell with Him above, we mortalssometimes question the wisdom ofHis Love. For no heartache compareswith the death of one small child,who does so much to make our worldseem wonderful and mild. PerhapsGod tires of calling the aged to Hisfold, so He picks a rosebud beforeit can grow old. God knows how muchwe need them, and so He takes a fewto make the land of Heaven morebeautiful to view. Believing this isdifficult, still somehow we must try.The saddest word mankind knowswill always be "Good-bye". So, whena little child departs, we who areleft behind must realize,God loves little children.Angels Are Hard To Find.

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LITTLE ROSE

I would rather have a little roseFrom the garden of a friend,Than have the choicest flowersWhen my stay on earth shall end.

I would rather have the kindest wordsAnd a smile that I can see,Than flattery when my heart is stillAnd this life ceased to be.

I would rather have a loving smileFrom the friends I know are true,Than tears shed around my casketWhen the world I bid adieu.

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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 wifeor your husband, or your childrento allow your thoughts to dwelltoo long on the deadThink of me now and again as I wasin life at some moment which itis pleasant to recall.But not too long.Leave me in peace as I shallleave you, too, in peace.

While you live, let your thoughtsbe with the living.

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LORD SUPPORT US

Lord support us all day long,until the shadows lengthen andthe evening comes, and the busyworld is hushed, and the feverof life is over, and our workis done. Then, in Thy mercy,grant us a safe lodging, and aholy rest, and peace at the last.Amen

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LORD'S PRAYER (CATHOLIC)

Our Father who art in heaven,Hallowed be Thy name;Thy kingdom come;Thy will be done on earthas it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;And forgive us our trespassesas we forgive those whotrespass against us.And lead us not into temptationbut deliver us from evil.Amen

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LORD'S PRAYER (PROTESTANT)

Our Father who art in heaven,Hallowed be Thy name;Thy kingdom come;Thy will be done on earthas it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;And forgive us our trespassesas we forgive those whotrespass 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

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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 itbrood over injuries.Love does not rejoicein what is wrongbut rejoices with the truth.There is no limit toLove's forbearance, its trust,its hope, its power to endure.Love never fails.

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LOVED HIM/HER

Father we entrust our (brother/sister) to your mercy.

You loved (him/her) greatly in thislife. Now that (he/she) is freed fromall its cares, give (him/her) happinessand peace forever.

Welcome (him/her) now into paradisewhere there will be no more sorrow,no more weeping or pain, but onlypeace and joy with Jesus Your Son,and the Holy Spiritfor ever and ever.

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MAGIC OF MOTHER

There's magic in a Mother's touchand sunshine in her smile.There's love in everything she doesto make our lives worthwhile.

We can find both hope and couragejust by looking in her eyes.Her laughter is a source of joy,her words are warm and wise.

There is a kindness and compassionto be found in her embrace,and we see the light of heavenshining from a Mother's face.

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MARINE

Almighty Father, whose command isover all and whose love never fails,make me aware of Thy presence andobedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self,guarding me against dishonesty in purpose anddeed and helping me to live so that I canface my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Theewithout shame or fear. Protect my family.Give me the will to do the work of a Marineand to accept my share of responsibilitieswith vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courageto be proficient in my daily performance.Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiorsand to the duties my Country and theMarine Corps have entrusted to me.Make me considerate of those committed to myleadership. Help me to wear my uniformwith dignity, and let it remind me daily of thetraditions 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 truthand grant me wisdom by which I mayunderstand the answer to my prayer.

Amen

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MAY THE ANGELS

May the angels lead thee into paradise.

May the martyrs receive thee at thy comingand take thee to the holy city.

May the choirs of the angels receivethee and mayest thou haverest everlasting.

Amen

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MEMORARE

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,that never was it known that anyonewho fled to Thy protection, imploredThy help, and sought Thy intercession was left unaided.Inspired with this confidence, I flyunto Thee. O Virgin of virgins,my Mother! To Thee do I come, beforeThee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.Oh Mother of the Word incarnatedespise not my petitions, butin Thy mercy, hear and answer me.

Amen

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MEMORY

Those we love remain with usFor love itself lives on,And cherished memories never fadeBecause a loved one's gone.

Those we love can never bemore than a thought apart,For as long as there is memory,They'll live on in our heart.

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MISS ME

When I come to the end of the roadand 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 knowAnd bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.Miss me, but let me go.

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MOST IMPORTANT PERSON ON EARTH

The most important personon earth is a mother. She can-not claim the honor of havingbuilt Notre Dame Cathedral.She need not. She has builtsomething more magnificentthan any cathedral - a dwellingfor an immortal soul, the tinyperfection of her baby's body."The angels have not beenblessed with such grace. Theycannot share in God's creativemiracle to bring new saints toHeaven. Only a human mothercan. Mothers are closer to Godthe Creator than any othercreatures. God joins forces withmothers in performing this actof creation...""What on God's good earthis more glorious than this: tobe a mother?"

-Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty

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MOTHER

Nobody dies,and Mother least of all.Her loving guise,the sound of her footfall,brighten the dark hall.Some feature of her facerepeats in every year.Her voice, her gentle grace,in some dear child appear,Her vision stills our fear.She cannot passwhile our rememberingcrowns the green grasswith 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

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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.

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MOTHER DEAR

Dear Mother, I’m gratefulFor your tender cares,The worries and heartachesAnd your constant prayers.

May Mary, God’s Mother,Spread her mantle blue,Enfold you foreverWith her Son there, too.

Each day while I’m thinkingHeaven is meant for you,My heart keeps on singing,Mother, Mother, I love you.

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MUSIC

Music has moments of rapturous soundand intervals of rest.

It thrills the heartwith its majestyand soothes it when suppressed.

Life too has ringing,throbbing tonesand muted, silent keys,

Yet both are mergedat the Master's touchInto living symphonies.

Florence Emeline Wright

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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 mindknowledge and wisdom.Especially, Dear Lord,help me always to rememberthe true purpose of my vocation,that of selfless service and dedicationto the weak and despairing in body and spirit.

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O GENTLEST HEART

O gentlest heart of Jesus, everpresent in the Blessed Sacrament,ever consumed with burning lovefor the poor captive souls, havemercy on the soul of Thy departedservant. Be not severe in Thy judgment but let some drops of ThyPrecious Blood fall upon the devour-ing flames, and do Thou O MercifulSavior, send Thy Angels to conductThy departed servant to a place ofrefreshment, light and peace. Amen

Merciful Jesus grant eternal rest.

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OUR HOPE

We commend our dearly departed intoYour hand, O Merciful God.

In faith, we believe that having diedin Christ, our departed loved one willrise again on the last day with Him.

We give You thanks for allowing us toshare the good things of this earthly lifewith our dearly departed.

Accept our prayer that the gates ofHeaven will be opened toYour departed servant.

Comfort us in our sorrowas we wait in joyful expectationto be united with all our loved onesand greet Christ in glory.Amen.

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OUR LADY OF MIRACULOUS MEDAL

O Mother of God, Mary Immaculate,we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to youunder the title of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal.May this Medal be for each one of us asure sign of your affection for us and a constantreminder of our duties toward you.Even while wearing it, may we beblessed by your loving protection andpreserved in the grace of your Son,O most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Saviorkeep 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

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PERHAPS

Perhaps you sent a lovely cardOr 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.

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PERPETUAL HELP

O Mother of perpetual help, grantthat I may ever invoke Your mostpowerful name, which is thesafeguard of the living and thesalvation of the dying. O PurestMary! O Sweetest Mary! Let Your namehenceforth be ever on my lips. Delaynot, O blessed Lady. To help me whenever I call on You, for in all mytemptations, in all my needs, Ishall never cease to call on You.Ever repeating Your sacred name,Mary! Mary! O what consolation, whatsweetness, what confidence, whatemotion fills my soul when I utterYour sacred name, or even only thinkof You. But I will not be contentwith merely uttering Your Name, letmy love for You prompt me ever tohail You, Mother of Perpetual Help.

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POLICEMAN'S PRAYER

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

O Almighty God whose great powerand eternal wisdom embrace theuniverse, watch over all Policemenand Law Enforcement Officers. Protectthem from harm in the performanceof their duty to stop crime,robberies, riots and violence.We pray to help them keep our streetsand homes safe day and night. Werecommend them to your care becausetheir duty is dangerous. Grant themYour unending strength and couragein their daily assignments. Dear Godprotect these brave officers, grant themYour almighty protection, unite themsafely with their families after duty ends.Amen

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PRAYER FOR YOU, A

I said a prayer for you todayAnd know God must have heard--I felt the answer in my heartAlthough he spoke no word!I didn't ask for wealth or fame(I knew you wouldn't mind)--I asked Him to send treasuresOf a far more lasting kind!I asked that He'd be near youAt the start of each new dayTo grant you health and blessingsAnd friends to share your way!I asked for happiness for youIn all things great and small--But it was for His loving careI prayed the most of all!

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PRAYER FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

O God,The Creator and RedeemerOf all the Faithful,Grant to the SoulsOf thy Servants departedThe remission of all their sins;That though pious supplicationsThey may obtain the pardonWhich they have always desiredWho livest and reignestWorld without end. Amen.

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PRECIOUS GIFT

One gift, above all others,God gives to us to treasure.One that knows no time, no placeand one gold cannot measure.

The precious, poignant tender giftOf Memory --- that will keepOur dear ones ever in our hearts,Although God gives them sleep.

It brings back long remembered things:A song, a word, a smileAnd our world's a better place- - - becauseWe had them for awhile!

Jessie H. Fairweather

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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 givenduring 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

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ROMAN RITUAL

May the Angelslead you into Paradise,may the Martyrs receive youat your coming, and take youto Jerusalem the holy city.May the choirs of the Angelsreceive you, and may you with theonce poor Lazarus, have restever lasting. AmenRoman Ritual

May the Souls of all thefaithful departed, through themercy of God, rest in peace.Amen

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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 orwhether we die, we are the Lord's.                          Romans 14:7-8

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SAFELY HOME

I am in Heaven, dear ones;Oh, so happy and so bright!There is perfect joy and beautyIn 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 calmlytrod the valley of the shade?Oh! but Jesus' love illuminedevery dark and fearful glade.And He came Himself to meet mein 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!

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SHE IS GONE

I am standing on the seashore.A ship spreads her sails to themorning breeze and starts for the ocean. I am watching until she fades on the horizon, andsomeone at my side says,“She is gone.”Gone where? The loss of sight is in me, not in her. Just at themoment when someone says“She is gone,” There are otherswho are watching her coming.Other voices take up the gladshout, “Here she comes!”....And that is dying.

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SERENITY PRAYER

God grant me the serenity toaccept the things I cannot change.The courage to change the thingsI can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

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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 ownas darkness turns into day.Ev'ry fear will be undoneand death will be no more.As songs of the angels bring you homebefore the face of God.

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ST. ANNE

O Glorious St. Anne Thou art filledwith compassion for those who invokethee and with love for those whosuffer! Heavily laden with theweight of my troubles, I thereforecast myself at Thy feet and humblybeg of Thee to take under Thyspecial protection the presentaffair which I recommend to Thee.Vouchsafe to recommend it to ThyDaughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary,and lay it before the throne ofJesus, so that He may bring it to ahappy issue. Cease not to intercedefor me until my request is granted.Above all obtain for me the grace ofone day to behold my God face toface, and with Thee and Mary andthe saints to praise and bless Himfor all Eternity. Amen

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ST. ANTHONY

O glorious St. Anthony, safe refugeof the afflicted and distressed. Whoby miraculous revelation has directedall those who seek aid to come to Thyaltar with the promise that whosoevervisits it for nine consecutive Tuesdays,and there piously invokes Thee, willfeel the power of Thy intercession.I, a poor sinner, encouraged by thispromise, come to Thee, O powerfulSaint, and with a firm hope I imploreThy aid, Thy protection, Thy counseland Thy blessing. Obtain for me,I beseech Thee, my request in thisnecessity. But if it should be opposedto the will of God and the welfare of mysoul, obtain for me such other gracesas shall be conducive of my salvation.Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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ST. ANTHONY, UNFAILING PRAYER TO

O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest ofSaints, your love for God andcharity for His creatures, made youworthy, when on earth, to possessmiraculous powers. Miracles waitedon your word, which you were everready to speak for those in troubleor anxiety. O gentle and lovingSt. Anthony, whose heart was everfull of human sympathy, whispermy petition into the ears of theSweet Infant Jesus, who loved tobe folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

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ST. AUGUSTINE

Watch Thou, dear Lord,with those who wake,or watch, or weep tonightand give Your angels chargeover 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

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ST. FRANCIS

Lord make mean 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 seekto 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, andit 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

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ST. JOSEPH

Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is sogreat, so strong, so prompt before thethrone of God, I place in you all my interestand desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assistme by your powerful intercession, and obtainfor me from your divine foster-Son allspiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, ourLord; so that, having engaged here belowyour heavenly power, I may offer mythanks - giving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. Oh, St. Joseph, I neverweary contemplating you, and Jesusasleep in your arms; I dare not approachwhile He reposes near your heart. PressHim in my name and kiss His fine head forme and ask Him to return the kiss when Idraw my dying breath. St. Joseph patron ofdeparting souls, pray for us.Amen.

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ST. JUDE 

O glorious Apostle, St. Jude Thaddeus truerelative of Jesus and Mary, I salute youthrough the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.Through this Heart I praise and thank Godfor all the graces He has bestowed upon you.Humbly prostrate before you, I imploreyou through this heart to look down upon mewith compassion. Oh despise not my poorprayer, let not my trust be confounded.To you God has granted the privilege ofaiding mankind in the most desperate cases.Oh, come to my aid that I may praise themercies of God. All my life I will begrateful to you and will be your faithfulclient until I can thank you in heaven.Amen.

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ST. MICHAEL

St. Michael the Archangel,Defend us in battle,Be our protection against thewickedness and snares of the devil.May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,And do thou, O Prince of theheavenly house,By the power of God, thrust into hellSatan and all evil spiritsWho wander through the worldFor the ruin of Souls.Amen

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ST. PATRICK

O great Apostle of Ireland,glorious St. Patrick to whomunder God, so many are indebted forthe most precious of all treasures,the great gift of Faith.

Receive our fervent thanks for thezeal and charity which have been tothousands the source of blessingsso invaluable.

Ask for all who dwell in this landand the land of thy labors, theprecious light of faith, and beg forus on whom its glorious rays havelong since beamed, the grace toregulate our lives by itssacred maxims.

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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 ourselvesto 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 whereYou are we may be also evermore.Amen

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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 ourselvesto 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 whereYou are we may be also evermore.Amen

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ST. THERESA

O Little flower of Jesus,Ever consoling troubled soulswith Heavenly Graces,In your unfailing intercessionI place my confident trust.From the Heart of our BlessedSavior petition these Blessingsof which I stand in greatest need.Shower upon me your promised Rosesof Virtue and Grace, dearSt. Theresa, so that swiftlyadvancing in sanctity and inperfect love of neighbor, I maysomeday receive theCrown of Life Eternal.Amen

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SUNSET

Should you go first and I remain, towalk 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 smiletho blindly I may grope.The memory of your helping handwill buoy me on with hope.Should you go first and I remainone thing I'll have you do:Walk slowly down that long, long pathfor 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.

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TAPS

Day is done, gone the sunFrom the lake, from the hillFrom 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.

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THANK YOU FOR CARING

When someone takes the time to listen,When someone reaches out,When someone does a thoughtful thingThat makes you warm throughout.

When someone lends a helping hand,Finds ways in which to share,When someone makes you feel secureBy always being there.

When someone senses there are timesWhen you have special needs,When someone gives you inner strengthThrough words as well as deeds.

When someone seems to take an interestIn just how you're faring,It's time to tell that special someoneThanks so much for caring!

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THE PLAN

Our Lives are but fine weavingsThat God and we prepare,Each life becomes a fabric plannedAnd fashioned in His care.We may not always see just howThe weavings intertwine,But we must trust the Master’s handAnd follow His design,For He can view the patternUpon the upper side,While we must look from underneathAnd trust in Him to guide...Sometimes a strand of sorrowIs added to His plan,And though it's difficult for us,We still must understandThat it's He who fills the shuttle,It's He who knows what's best,So we must weave in patienceAnd leave to Him the rest...Not till the loom is silentAnd the shuttles cease to flyShall God unroll the canvasAnd explain the reason why---The dark threads are as neededIn the Weaver's skillful handAs the threads of gold and silverIn the pattern He has planned.

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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 heartacheThat lies beyond our smiles,No one knows how many timesWe 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.

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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 hearAll 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.

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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 minddwells upon the beauty and thewonder of the world.

John Burroughs

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TREASURED SEASONS

For everything there isan appointed season,and a time for every purposeunder 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 everythingbeautiful in its time, foreverything You do remainsforever.

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TREE

I think that I shall never seeA poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is pressedAgainst 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 wearA 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.

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WALK IN SUNSHINE

May you always walk in sunshineand God’s love around you flow, forthe happiness you gave us, no onewill ever know. It broke our heartsto lose you, but you did not goalone, a part of us went with youthe 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 YouAnd May You Rest In PeaceAmen

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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.

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WE’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER

We’ll always rememberthat special smile,that caring heart,that warm embraceyou always gave us.

We’ll always rememberyou being therefor Mom and us.Through good and bad times,no matter what.We’ll always remember you Dad,because there’ll never be any oneto replace you in our heartsand the love we will alwayshave for you.

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WHEN I MUST LEAVE

When I must leave you for a littlewhile --- please do not grieve andshed wild tears and hug your sorrowto you through the years, but startout bravely with a gallant smile,and for my sake, and in my name liveon and do all things the same. Feednot your loneliness on empty days,but fill each waking hour in usefulways, reach out your hand in comfortand in cheer and I, in turn, willcomfort you and hold you near.And never, never be afraid to die,for I am waiting for you in the sky.

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WHEN I’M GONE

When I’m Gone.Give what’s left of me away to childrenand 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 armsaround someone and give them whatyou 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, atleast let me live in your eyes and not in your mind.You can love me most by letting handstouch hands, by letting bodies touchbodies, and by letting go of childrenthat need to be free.Love doesn’t die, people do.So, when all that’s left of me is love,give me away.

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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 awaitsA time and place designed for me,And old hopes rising one by one,Are golden wings against the sun!

Grace E. Easley

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YOU TOILED SO HARD

You toiled so hard for those you loved,You said good-bye to none.Your spirit flew before we knewYour 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