Rest eternal grant her, O Lord

A cyber-friend's mother died yesterday. Lutheranchik writes an awesome blog. I almost feel like I know her from reading her daily thoughts. I feel sad for her. I've done a few funerals in my not-quite four years as a pastor (33 to be exact) and some of the phrases and scripture references in the LBW funeral liturgy are just so perfect.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of all mercy and the God of all consolation. He comforts us in all our sorrows so that we can comfort others in their sorrows with the consolation we ourselves have received from God (2 Cor 1.3-4).

When we were baptized in Christ Jesus, we were baptized into his death. We were buried therefore with him by Baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his (Rom 6.3-5).

Give courage and faith to those who are bereaved, that they may have strength to meet the days ahead in the comfort of a holy and certain hope, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love.

Help us, we pray, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting.

Rest eternal grant her, O Lord;
and let light perpetual shine upon her.

God's peace be with you LC.