We come before you today in abject pain and anguish

There are no words to describe the distress of losing someone

You love very deeply

ALL:   Jesus said “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted”

We have lost someone

Who was a huge part of our lives

and it leaves such a gaping hole

ALL:   Jesus said “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted”

Each of us is grieving in our own way

For some of us the only way to express our sorrow is through tears

Some of us are still in shock, or angry –

We are not ready for tears

For some of us it is a time for reflection and quiet

For others it is a time to keep busy with practical things

ALL:   Jesus said “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted”

None of us can take away the grief

Or fill the whole that has been left in our lives

But we can lend comfort to each other

Not only over the next few days

But in the weeks and months to come

This is a time to really show real love and support for those who are hurting

ALL:   Jesus said “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted”

In our grief when we experience loss we realise that

We not only feel the loss of that person

But the other people we have lost, too.

These earlier experiences are still part of who we are

ALL:   Jesus said “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted”

Each of us have our own special memories.

The love we received will never die

But can be cherished as we in turn

Share that love with others

ALL:   Jesus said “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted”

We don’t ask that you take away the pain of this loss

or that you fill the hole that has been left in our lives.

But we do ask that you help us have the strength

To bear the loss and over time come to be able

To celebrate a unique life and to be proud that

we were part of their lives.

ALL:   Jesus said “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted”

AMEN