Prayer 1104- in honor of my father

Today marks ten years since my father passed away. Here he is doing one of his favorite things- a crossword puzzle. Although he dropped out of high school in the weeks after Pearl Harbor to enlist in the Navy,
he was a voracious reader and interested in lots of things.

In the bright light of morning, O Gracious One, we come before You, worshipping and giving you thanks and praise. Direct our steps into paths of peace and forgiveness, O Holy God, that we may walk humbly with our God. 

We give thanks for all who have loved us, even imperfectly, as we ourselves imperfectly love others. 
Help us to know and consider our own faults before we criticize others, and remember our own sins before we stand in judgment. 
Lord Jesus, we remember loved ones who have passed into your embrace: may we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom. 

Make of us a light of compassion and love to those around us and strengthen us to serve You, We pray, O God. Send forth your Spirit of healing and peace, Merciful God, and breathe your blessing upon those we now name.

Amen.