## 23:6
%% 4
> Goodness and Lovingkindness Follow Me
>> Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the LORD’s house forever.

Occasion: Facing the end of life

Lord, my body is telling the truth now ---
steps are shorter,
air feels thinner,
night is longer,
and my last breath may not be far off.

I do not know how to live with this knowing.
Some days I can speak of it plainly.
Other days I am afraid of what may come,
of what I must leave unfinished,
of saying goodbye to the people I love.
You know the questions I cannot answer
and the ones I am still afraid to ask.

Be near me in the days that remain.
Keep me from fear that hollows them out.
When my courage fails,
give me enough grace for this day,
and then enough for the next.

I do not want to spend this time clinging to what I cannot keep,
turning away from the people I love.
Yet letting go is hard, Lord.
Help me receive the love that is offered
without demanding that it take away my sorrow.

Let Your goodness follow me to the last day.
Let Your mercy hold me to my last breath.

Amen.