For Belle – a Song and a Prayer

I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord.
Whoever has faith in me shall have life,
even though he die.

And everyone who has life,
and has committed himself to me in faith,
shall not die for ever.

As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives
and that at the last he will stand upon the earth.

After my awaking, he will raise me up;
and in my body I shall see God.

I myself shall see, and my eyes behold him
who is my friend and not a stranger.

For none of us has life in himself,
and none becomes his own master when he dies.

For if we have life, we are alive in the Lord,
and if we die, we die in the Lord.

So, then, whether we live or die,
we are the Lord’s possession.

Happy from now on
are those who die in the Lord!

So it is, says the Spirit,
for they rest from their labors.

† † †

Everyone the Father gives to me will come to me;
I will never turn away anyone who believes in me.

He who raised Jesus Christ from the dead
will also give new life to our mortal bodies
through his indwelling Spirit.

My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices;
my body also shall rest in hope.

You will show me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

† † †

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your
servant Belle.   

Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of
your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your
own redeeming.

Receive her into the arms of your mercy,
into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the arms of our loving Father. 💖

Don +