Note: First posted on April 8, 2020 under the title A-Lenten-Prayer-a-Day, Day 37, Wednesday in Holy Week, and, here, given the immutability of our human mortality, wholly unrevised.
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On dying & death (in the spirit of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux)
O Lord, I believe in mortality.
Daily, as I examine the progression of life in this world, even when peering through a lens of light and joy, there is, undeniably, “change and decay in all around I see.”
Daily, too, I experience the procession of my aging. The “change and decay” in me of slower thought and shorter memory, sinew less supple and strength swifter spent.
Yea, O Lord, I believe life in this world is terminal. One day, I will die.
Yet, O Lord, I believe (even more!) in You. I believe that as You have not brought me this far to leave me, now, as I know what is physical and perishable, then, I, forever finally, fully will know what is spiritual and eternal.
O Lord, steady my faith that I, on my dying day, with gratitude undying, fail not to fear not coming to You to behold You by sight face to face.
Amen.
© 2021 PRA
Endnotes:
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (né Marie Françoise-Thérèse Martin) (1873-1897), Roman Catholic Carmelite nun revered for the simplicity and practicality of her approach to the spiritual life, on her deathbed was heard to have murmured, “I am not dying. I am entering into life.”
The words, “change and decay…” are from the second verse of one of my favorite hymns, Abide with me, fast falls the eventide (1847), words by Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847). The full verse:
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see.
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
The phrase, “…have not brought me this far to leave me,” is drawn from the song, I don’t feel noways tired (1976), by James Cleveland (1931-1991)
occasional observations of mind and heart, soul and spirit 
Paul,
Thank you for the words from one of my favorite songs… “you haven’t brought me this far to leave me” because for me it steadies me in my faith and prepares me for what is to come, that which is spiritual and eternal!! While I’m not anxious to leave this world, nor am I afraid!
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Amen! There are moments in my life when — usually due to outward (and sometimes inward) circumstances of strife and tribulation, particularly when the difficulties are recurring and, therefore, seemingly unending — I question my faith, wondering: What do I believe? Whether I believe! At such times, words of scripture and words of songs (for music finds an avenue to and an entry to my heart often when and where words alone cannot) have a way beyond the power of my reason to grasp to restore some semblance of peace, indeed, of belief! Cleveland’s song is one such piece for me.
Love
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YES!!! Where would we be without our songs to help restore our faith????
Much love!!
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