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Scattering Prayer 10/11 /05 2005 Archive - 2006 Archive

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust;
our beginning and our end
are one and the same.

From the earth’s clay, God formed us
on the universe’s spinning wheel;
and when our shape and form were pleasing,
into us God breathed wind and Spirit.

Their living was like ours is:
a beginning in which we play no part;
an expanse in the middle filled with
expectations, hopes, and dreams,
work, play, suffering, and joy;
an end that catches us all by surprise.

As we scatter these ashes into the wind,
may they blow to the four corners of the universe
offering us guidance through
our own wilderness and chaos.

As the ashes sink into the moving river,
flowing toward the ever-expansive gulf
that empties into the great sea of oneness,
may we follow their path with our living,
one day claiming our connection with all of creation.

Grant, O God, that we may
forever carry with us from this place
the love and care we saw and felt in our loved one,
and your peace that passes understanding.

Amen.

© 2005 Todd Jenkins