Say a Prayer (open)
The chapel at Xaiver's was smallish, but functional. And it was where Mina found herself now, kneeling in prayer. She was still in shock, truthfully. And her father was like the walking dead himself. He barely spoke, barely seemed to acknowledge the rest of the world. At least her mom was home now, trying her best to help them both.
"God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.
Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
I pray in
hope for my family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone.
In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.
Amen. "
Her poor brother, who had never quite seemed comfortable in his own skin, who had seemed so frightened and skittish so much of the time. Her brother. She never thought of the fact that they hadn't shared the same mother. He had been her brother and that was all that had mattered. And now he was gone.
An accident, they said it was. She wanted to believe that. Wanted to believe it with all her heart. But none of it changed the fact that her brother was dead.
"Faultless Lord, enduring death for me,
You have consummated the
debt of my sins:
Your
sacrifice of forgiveness was absolute!
Grant me the
strength to also forgive others,
To excuse their transgressions against me.
So I may truly reflect this spiritual fruit,
Obliterate any persistent feelings of malice.
Let each trespass end as a closing chapter,
My continuing on the road of righteousness.
Forgive my sins as I aspire to forgive others.
You are truly archetypical of forgiveness.
You are a most forgiving Lord! "
