Prayer Vigil Cancelled; Prayer Still Needed

I received this message from the director of communications at Murray First United Methodist Church shortly after 3 o'clock this afternoon.

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you all that Tim Ingland went to be with the Lord this afternoon. Kayla and family have asked that we cancel the prayer vigil tonight. Please be in prayer for Kayla, Noah, Jensen and family as they grieve and mourn the loss of their loved one.

I have included a selection of prayers taken or adapted from A New Zealand Prayer Book for the departed, his family, and all who mourn his love.

Gracious God,
nothing in death or life,
in the world as it is or the world as it shall be,
nothing in all creation can separate us from your love.

We commend our brother, Tim, into your loving care.
Enfold him in the arms of your mercy.
Bless him in his dying and in his rising again in you.
Bless those whose hearts are filled with sadness,
that they too may know the hope of resurrection;
for the sake of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

God of all consolation,
grant to those who sorrow
the spirit of faith and courage,
that they may have the strength to meet the days to come
with steadfastness and patience;
not sorrowing without hope,
but trusting in your goodness;
through him who is the resurrection and the life,
Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.

Merciful and compassionate God,
we bring you our grief in the loss of Tim
and ask for courage to bear it.
We bring you our thanks
for all you give us in those we love;
and we bring you our prayers for peace of heart
in the knowledge of your mercy and love,
in Christ Jesus.
Amen.

Our Lord Jesus Christ be with us to defend us,
within us to keep us,
before us to lead us,
beside us to guard us,
and above us to bless us.
Amen.

May God be our comfort, our strength;
May God be our hope and support;
May God be our light and our way;
and may the blessing of God,
Creator, Redeemer and Giver of life,
remain with us now and for ever.
Amen.