Delcan’s journey here on earth is over but his life isn’t. We rejoice because
Reverend Alan L. Joplin
God of us all, we pray to you in this dark hour. A life we love has been taken from us. Expectations of the years once held have vanished. The mystery of death has strick once more. O God, you know the lives we live and the deaths we die that are woven so strangely of purpose and of chance, of reason and of the irrational, of strength and of frailty, of happiness and of pain. Compassionate and loving God, yours is the beauty of childhood and yours is the fullness of years. Comfort us in our sorrow, strengthen us with hope, and breathe peace into our troubled hearts. Assure us that the love we had for Declan was not in vain. Guide us through this time of sadness with the light of your love and the strength of your compassion.
Heavenly Father, whose Son Jesus Christ did take little children into his arms and bless them; we thank you that you gave Declan to us, even for a brief time; and we thank you that you caused our hearts to love him. We praise and bless you for the assurance that you have received him to yourself, and that you will keep him now and always.
O God, whose compassion never fails; we commend to you those who mourn, especially Bronwyn and Alan. We remember too Margie, Briann, Michael, Pat, Jeff, Jesse, Allyn. Nevin, Che’, Kathy and all the family members who have been denied the joy of seeing Devin blossom and grow in our midst. Grant unto them, and all of us who weep today, your strength - and uphold them with a living hope.
May the words of Jesus, which reveal his love for little children, speak peace to their troubled hearts. Make them know that the child who has been taken out of their sight is with you, safe in your eternal care, with all suffering passed. May they also have assurance in their hearts that in your own good time they will see him again.
Through your grace that can do far more than we can think or imagine, fulfill in Declan your purpose that reaches beyond time and death. Lead Declan from strength to strength, and fit him for love and service in your kingdom. Hold us in your keeping. Save our minds from despair and our hearts from fear. And guard and guide us with your peace.
Receive Declan into the arms of your mercy. Raise Declan up with all your people. Receive us also, and raise us into a new life.Help us so to love and serve you in this world That we may enter into your joy in the world to come. Into your hands, O merciful Savior, We commend your servant Declan. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock. Receive Declan into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints of light. Amen
