Willie...
I don't know in detail who you're referring to,
I could speculate, but that wouldn't be fair,
and it's probably not necessary for me to know, anyway,
just know that he did not march in alone, for the Lord,
our Captain, led him and is always with him.
Father in heaven, please bless Willie with your comfort and grace
and take his tears upon your lap and cool his brow.
Take his sorrow, Lord, and replace it with the joy of thy salvation,
show him anew your empty tomb and strengthen him in your promise
of eternal life.
These times of separation are so hard, Father,
but we thank you that we don't go through them alone,
for you are with us, and the reunion will such a blessing in that day.
Bless us all, Lord, with more grace to bear,
and patience with joy, as we know we can trust you completely,
and your Word and promise is yes and amen.
While we wait, Lord, help us to be about our Father's business
with greater resolve and excitement as we see your day approaching.....
and Father....
on a personal note,
please forgive again all my sins, Lord....
I know it is done, because of Jesus,
but I often allow things to accumulate,
and don't always cast off those sins and weights
that so easily keep me from running the race
you have laid out before me,
and as a result,
I tend to get bitter, sarcastic and thoughtless,
and fear and doubt creep in where faith and love
should be in abundance, and what I give to others and You.
Forgive me and cleanse me anew so I also can learn
to be a faithful and honorable soldier in the army of the Lord,
as I do hope to hear one day,
'well done, thou good and faithful servant',
Lord, I ask your forgiveness that I haven't
done a very good job of that,
especially of late, and I ask for another chance,
and your grace and mercy
to help me arrive at an expected end
without shame or regret, all because of you,
Jesus, my Lord, my God, my Saviour,
Dear Jesus, if I may say,
my Friend... help ME, Dear Lord,
to be a faithful friend like you.
Lord, please bless Willie, and all who read this prayer,
as it comes with tears and a heart as sincere
as my broken, fallen heart has ever been,
and I pray to You the only true wise and living God
in the name of our wonderful, beloved,
precious Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Jesus,
Amen and forever, Amen. ♡