In memoriam: Dr. James W. Carlson (Uncle Jim)

This week was overshadowed by travel, reconnecting with family and friends, and absorbing familial loss (both my own and those of my friends).  After attending my uncle's funeral, I found myself remembering two prayers - both by English poets/priests. I share them here. 

First: John Henry Newman's prayer - as reproduced in the Church of England's Common Worship funeral prayers:

"Support us, O Lord,
all the day long of this troublesome life,
until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,
the busy world is hushed,
the fever of life is over
and our work is done.
Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging,
a holy rest, and peace at the last;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen."

Second: John Donne's immortal prayer - again as adapted by the Church of England for Common Worship:

"Bring us, O Lord God, at our last awakening
into the house and gate of heaven,
to enter that gate and dwell in that house,
where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling,
but one equal light;
no noise nor silence, but one equal music;
no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession;
no ends or beginnings, but one equal eternity;
in the habitations of your glory and dominion,
world without end.
Amen."

It may be morbid, but I wanted to include a photo of his casket here.  Uncle Jim raised pecans around his home outside of Ardmore, OK.  So his family selected a pecan-wood casket for him.  It was lovely and personal to him.  

"In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life

through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty
God our brother James Carlson; and we commit his body to the ground; *
earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him
and keep him, the Lord make His face to shine upon him
and be gracious unto him, the Lord lift up his countenance
upon him and give him peace. 
Amen."