Prayer about Grandpop

A prayer given at my father-in-law’s funeral on 1 April 2022

Our God and Father, Creator of the universe, we give thanks for the life of Grandpop. We thank you that in the prime of life He trusted in Christ’s death for the forgiveness of his sins and eternal life in heaven (1 Th. 2:13). We thank you for the Christian faith and love evident in the remainder of his life (2 Th. 1:3).

We thank you that it’s not the end like it was for Shane Warne. Instead, it’s the beginning of life without the troubles of this world. Grandpop has left the building, left the planet and left the physical for the unseen spiritual world, which is far better for him (Phil. 1:23). It’s like being in an aircraft above the clouds where the sun is shining.

We thank you that there is a right way to die. That Grandpop died in the Lord and not without the Lord (Jn. 8:24). And “Blessed are those who die in the Lord, they can rest from their hard work, because their deeds will follow them” (Rev. 14:13).

We thank you that he is indeed now face-to-face with Christ His Savior because he is “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8).

We thank you that although he is finished with his natural body for now, it is waiting for when Jesus returns at the resurrection to be replaced with a spiritual body that can live forever is God’s presence (1 Cor. 15:44). Then he will bust out of his grave (Larry Norman) – like Jesus did at the first Easter.

We thank you for his eternal inheritance in heaven that can never perish, spoil or fade (Tit. 2:13).

Lord, help us have the same hope as Grandpop did. The confidence that you will keep your promises for your followers. The hope of resurrection (1 Th. 4:18). The hope of heaven (Jn. 14:1-3). The living hope and the blessed hope (Tit. 2:13; 1 Pt. 1:3).

And Father God, the source of salvation, we acknowledge without you there is no lasting hope in this world (Eph. 2:12). So, at this time we “do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope” (1 Th. 4:13). Instead, we grieve with hope. And we are comforted (2 Cor. 7:6).

You are worthy Lord to receive glory, honor and praise (Rev. 4:11; 5:12). As the only true God. May honor and glory be Yours for ever and ever (1 Tim. 1:17).

Because of all You have done through Jesus, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all (2 Cor 13:14).

Amen.

Written, 1 April 2022

Also see: Where is Grannie?
Looking back and looking ahead
Why does the Bible describe death as sleep?
An outline of future events