You Have Not Moved On Without Us

We have grieved individually and corporately, 

but we’re not finished yet.

We have ceremonially gathered in remembrance,

but there is still more remembering to do.

We have returned to our schedules,

but we’re not fully engaged.

Our tears still fall, 

but we feel pressure to withhold them. 

We still want to reminisce, 

but feel that it is no longer heard, nor understood.

Our wounds and scars have produced lingering affects, 

and we feel responsible.

Teach us, Father, that none of this comes from you. 

Teach us that your willingness to listen,

                      your presence as we grieve,

                      your suffering alongside of us,

                      your intercession on our behalf,

                      your words of comfort to us,

are no less now than they were when tragedy first struck. 

You are not waiting for the grieving to be finished.

May we draw close to you as many times as we need to.

Strengthen our confidence that you still care.

Strengthen our confidence that you have not moved on without us.

Teach us to love and to weep with those who do.

Teach us to do this on the terms of the griever. 

We need your grace for ourselves and for each other,

and so we praise you that there is an abundant supply. 

Even so, come Lord Jesus.

Our groaning with the rest of creation is great.