A Memorial Day Prayer

Arlington National Cemetery

By the Rev. Dick Kozelka (ret)

First Congregational Church of Minnesota - Minneapolis, MN.

Eternal God, Creator of years, of centuries, Lord of whatever is beyond time, Maker of all species and master of all history --

How shall we speak to you from our smallness and inconsequence? Except that you have called us to worship you in spirit and in truth; You have dignified us with loves and loyalties; You have lifted us up with your loving kindnesses.

Therefore we are bold to come before you without groveling[though we sometimes feel that low] and without fear [though we are often anxious].

We sing with spirit and pray with courage because you have dignified us; You have redeemed us from the aimlessness of things' going meaninglessly well.

God, lift the hearts of those for whom this holiday is not just diversion, but painful memory and continued deprivation.

Bless those whose dear ones have died needlessly, wastefully [as it seems] in accident or misadventure.

We remember with compassion those who have died serving their countries in the futility of combat.

There is none of us but must come to bereavement and separation, when all the answers we are offered fail the question death asks of each of us.

We believe that you will provide for us as others have been provided with the fulfillment of "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Amen.