Rest Here A While By The Garden

God of life when all there is in our lives is the empty space
where the beloved was and nothing can fill it
and we want nothing to fill it
because nothing, and no-one,
can take the place of the beloved,
and we walk drearily through the days,
dragging one foot after the other
and there is no joy in anything,
give us your strength in our sorrow,
your presence in the absence we feel,
your rest, that we may rise again to new life,
and your hope,
that in death we are not divided.

Rest here a while by the garden and be still,
knowing that you are not alone this day.

Lord, hear our prayers
for all our loved ones who have died.  
Hold _________ safely in your love,
 grant (him/her) rest,  happiness and peace.