I will attend the funeral this afternoon of a long-retired US Army chaplain, a United Methodist ordained minister whom I met late in his life and greatly respected. He was a Vietnam veteran and a wonderful man, with an equally-admirable wife and daughter.
Although I am not taking part in the service, I post here "A Prayer at Taps," from the armed forces' Song and Service Book for Ship and Field. This book was published by the US Army and US Navy in 1941. It was used throughout World War 2 and for years afterward.
I bought two copies when my wife and I visited Pearl Harbor in 2005. These copies are original editions, never before used. When I officiated funerals for veterans, I would offer this prayer at graveside. And I hope it will be offered when I pass from this life.
A Prayer at Taps
Before we go rest we commit ourselves to thy care, O God our Father, beseeching Thee through Christ our Lord to keep alive thy grace in our hearts. Watch Thou, O Heavenly Father, with those who wake, or watch, or weep to-night, and give thine angels charge over those who sleep. Tend those who are sick, rest those who are weary, soothe those who suffer, pity those in affliction; be near and bless those who are dying, and keep under thy holy care those who are dear to us. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
I would delete the "Amen" sentence, though, and continue praying with these words, printed on the inside read cover:
O Lord, support us all the day long through this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then of thy great mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at last. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you, O Lord, for the life and ministries of Rev. Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Richard Stewart, and please bless all those dear to him.
