June The Tenth

O GOD, in whom is neither near nor far, through Thee we yearn for those who belong to us, and who are not here with us. We would fain be near them to shield them from harm and to touch them with the tenderness of love. We cast our cares for them on Thee in this evening hour, and pray Thee to do better for them than we could do. May no distance have power to wean their hearts from us, and no sloth of ours cause us to lag behind the even pace of growth. In due time restore them to us, and gladden our souls with their sweet sight.
We remember too the loved ones into whose dear eyes we cannot look again. O God, in whom are both the living and the dead, Thou art still their life and light as Thou art ours. Wherever they be, lay Thy hand tenderly upon them, and grant that some day we may meet again, and hear once more their broken words of love - Amen.

- WALTER RAUSCHENBUSCH