A Prayer For The Time Of Mourning

Father, we rejoice in the feasting periods and reflect in the mourning periods of our life. The richest experiences that shape our character are from the great highs and the deep lows we encounter over a lifetime. Not only do we spend time reflecting, studying, and learning from these experiences, but they speak to us of the importance of who we are in the midst of those circumstances. In the house of feasting, we rejoice in our accomplishments and those of others from year to year. But in the house of mourning, we consider the lives of those who go before us, seeking to mirror the good we witnessed or experienced in their lives. It prompts us to assess our own hearts. Are we ready should You call us to our eternal destiny? We know that planning for this life is important, but planning for the next life is absolutely essential. We want to be ready by receiving Jesus into our life and living according to Your plan as revealed in the Bible. By Your grace, we can do so through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.