Living in the Valley of the Shadow of Death

... that's why I've been rather silent over the past week.  Another person in our congregation tragically died last Thursday.  He was a 46 year old father of two (5&11).  I will be eulogizing him at his funeral today.  This is the fourth funeral I've done in the past four weeks. I'm weary.

I'd appreciate your prayers, not just for me, but especially for the Butcher family.  Thanks.

Comments

[Seraphim]

Trisagion Memorial Prayer for the departed

"O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who has trampled down Death and overthrown the Devil, and given life unto Your world, give, we beseech You, eternal rest to the soul of Your departed servant, in a place of brightness, in a place of verdure, in a place of repose, from whence all pain, sorrow, and sighing, have fled away.

Pardon, we beseech You, every transgression which may have been committed, whether by word or deed or thought. For there is no man who lives and does not commit a sin. You only are without sin, Your righteousness is everlasting, and Your word is the Truth.

For You are the Resurrection, and the Life, and the repose of Your departed servant, O Christ our God, and unto You we ascribe glory, together with eternal the Father, and Your Most Holy, and Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and forever, and for ages to come." Amen

"May our gracious and merciful Lord, who rose from the dead, Christ, our True God, through the intercessions of His Holy Mother and of all the Saints, establish the soul of His departed servant in the mansions of the righteous; give rest in the bosom of Abraham, and number his soul among the just, and have mercy upon us and save us".

Memory Eternal.
Vichna Pamyat.
Memory Eternal.

love ya brother. Praying for you and your congregation.

Seraphim

[Pastor Art]

I as well will pray for your Shalom and for those touched directly by the passing. I do not know the condition of the souls passing but as a way of encouragement (if this offends I ask pardon a head of time) you even in your weariness have the privilege to be sending those under your care as a Shepard to the greenest grass and the stillest waters. Places of feasting none of us as Pastor’s have the ability to provide. (this part could be the offence) I have thought of funerals of believers sometimes kind of like the Killington (sp?) sending ceremony at the death of a warrior - like the blowing of the Shofar announcing something of great importance. The sending of Saints to rest … bless you
Pastor Art

[Chris]

Seraphim and Art --

Thank you SO much.

Blessings.

[leadworshipperfc]

Chris,
My wife and I had a two-day marathon to attend her grandmother's funeral so I would have responded sooner. I am praying for you, my brother. I hope that you are able to take some time for refreshing after the holidays. I am lifting up the Butcher family as well.
In Christ,