Remembering With Love
 

Seeger, Pete. The Byrds. "Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)", Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, 1965.

Remembering With Love Prayer Service

This annual September prayer service includes inspiration, meditation, prayer, and an opportunity for the names of those who recently made their transition to be shared aloud. As we join in prayer as a spiritual community, we find solace and offer a light of hope for others.
(see calendar)

Preparations for the Prayer Service

Suggested Activities and Questions for Reflection

Sometime before the prayer service, set up a small altar with a photo of your loved one who has recently passed on. Light a candle in their memory.

  • When you light the candle, recite the prayer, We Remember Them, or another prayer that is meaningful to you.
  • As the candle burns, you will find their memory kindled within your heart.
  • Lighting of the memorial candle can also be a useful way to engage children and other family members in a discussion about the blessings that this person contributed to the family.

Prior to the prayer service and the ritual for honoring our loved ones, you might begin a memory book of photos or mementos of your loved one. Spend time with family members reflecting on the life of this person.

  • Look not only at the personality but observe how the journey or struggle toward freedom or spiritual awakening was reflected in their life.
  • Discuss how each person today is affected by the legacy.

Offer prayers for your loved ones, taking a moment to be grateful for all that has been given to you. Reflect on the following questions:

  • In what ways am I like this person?
  • In what ways am I different from this person?
  • What has this person taught me about living my life? 
  • Do I need to forgive this person? Am I willing to forgive?
  • What am I grateful for today in my relationship with this person?

We Remember Them

Poem by Rabbi Sylvan Kamens and Rabbi Jack Riemer

In the rising of the sun
and in its going down,
we remember them.

In the blowing of the wind
and in the chill of winter,
we remember them.

In the opening of buds
and in the rebirth of spring,
we remember them.

In the blueness of the sky
and in the warmth of summer,
we remember them.

In the rustling of leaves
and in the beauty of autumn,
we remember them.

In the beginning of the year
and when it ends,
we remember them.

When we are weary
and in need of strength
we remember them.

When we are lost
and sick at heart,
we remember them.
 
When we have joys
we yearn to share,
we remember them

A final benediction.
We remember them.
We remember them

So long as we live,
they too shall live;
For they are now a part of us,
as we remember them. 

Om, Peace, Amen

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