Prayers for my departed

I am not a pious Catholic but I pray for varied reasons. I pray to thank God for the gift of life, for the many blessings, and for understanding me despite my human failings. And yes I also pray for my family and for others.

And although prayer is personal, let me share my prayer as my way of remembering my departed. And I know that during the time they were still in this world, they knew me, my wishes, successes and pains. I know they all wish for the best. But since they are in the other horizon, so far from me and so near to God’s keeping, I know they will not hesitate to intercede.

To my dear Papa Francing, I thank you for taking care of my mother, brothers and sisters during your life on earth. I thank you for giving them the opportunity to bring me into this world and I likewise thank you for the opportunity to have this prayer. I rejoice over the life that you led while alive and for the good deeds you accomplished. Lord God, I pray for the soul of my deceased father and that you take care of him in your holy kingdom.

To my brother Bayani and Tita Baby, as far as I remember, you have been with me through all the ups and downs of life. During our childhood years, we ate and played together, gave advice to each other. I pray you both find everlasting life and eternal happiness in God’s powerful embrace.

To my son, Ranulfo Kalipay, thank you for the months you’ve stayed in my womb and a day that I saw your being was everything to me. You made me experience both the joys and pains of being a mother. You are forever my angel.

Saint Augustine’s wisdom is worth reflecting on that as Catholics we want to reach the kingdom of God, but we don’t want to travel by way of death. And yet there stands the necessity saying: “This way, please. Do not hesitate, man, to go this way, when this is the way that God came to you.”

Father in heaven, I come to you today to thank you for allowing me to live with my loved ones who left this world to come into your essence. I realize that they were not impeccable. I request that you forgive them where they turned out badly and give them eternal rest. May they find love and peace in your essence. Do not let my friends and family to be separated from you, a chance to let your devoted servant make the most of your wonder until the end of time.

I remain before you in certainty since I realize that passing has nothing on us who believe in you. Have compassion for our family members who have departed this world. Give them delicate benevolent actions for they trespassed somehow before their demise. We may have addressed and made statements that are not pleasing to you. Lord, show us compassion and help us to acknowledge what has occurred with the goal that we can heal.

Lord, I come to you with an appreciative heart even as I grieve the loss of my loved ones. It might be a misfortune for us, yet it is gain for your kingdom. I thank you for the occasions that you offered us to go through with our friends and family.