Hello to all readers. The idea for this prayer came to me just as I was leaving a house-group meeting yesterday evening. The insight was plain to me, but in the hubbub of saying goodbye to everyone, and getting ready to walk home, I didn’t make time to write it down. Fortunately, it didn’t disappear, and I was able to sketch it out at bedtime, then write it next morning.
Stripped
Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised (Job 1:21).
Father,
As we go through life,
All that we think we have
Is stripped away,
Until there is nothing left
But you.
Until there is nothing left
But you.
As the years pass,
We slowly lose our youth,
Looks and health.
Later our energy,
Mobility and independence
Start to fail.
In time,
Our senses,
Memory and dignity fade,
Until one final breath
Sweeps life itself away.
Then we are released at last,
To be united with you
In perfect freedom and joy
For all eternity.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.