Tonight, Lord,
we miss the face of Francis:
its joyful glow,
his warm smile,
his firm countenance,
his searching eyes…
Tonight, Lord,
we miss the voice of Francis:
preaching your gospel,
telling a story,
speaking your mercy,
calling us all to do what’s just…
Tonight, Lord,
we miss the strength of Francis
who was strong of heart,
strong in his faith,
strong in his teaching
and strong in his love of the Church…
Tonight, Lord,
we miss the arms of Francis:
welcoming all,
embracing the poor,
encircling peripheries,
cradling the weak, the sick and the frail…
Tonight, Lord,
we miss the soul of Francis:
poor for your sake,
humble for ours,
praying for mercy,
anointed with grace…
Tonight, Lord,
we miss Francis,
our friend and our brother,
our Holy Father,
your Vicar on earth,
our companion in faith,
great builder of bridges,
Peter among us,
herald of mercy,
and servus servorum:
servant of all of us,
servants of God…
Tonight, Lord,
we commend Pope Francis
to your infinite mercy,
your loving care,
your saving grace
and the peace promised
to all who live by your Word…
Protect our brother, Francis, Lord,
now called from life on earth;
safeguard his journey, homeward bound,
to life in you for ever…
Protect us, Lord while we’re awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
While we sing tonight’s song for Francis, keep also in your prayer, all those who have gone home to the Lord…
May the Choirs of Angels
May the choirs of angels
come to greet you,
may they speed you to paradise;
may the Lord surround you
in his merciful love
and may you find everlasting light
The Lord is my light and my help
with him beside me
whom shall I fear;
the Lord is the stronghold of my life,
before whom shall I be afraid?
O Lord, hear my voice when I call,
have mercy, answer me;
of you my heart has spoken
« Seek the face of God! »
It is your face, O Lord, that I seek,
O Lord, hide not your face;
in your anger do not cast me away,
you, Lord, have been my help.
The Lord’s goodness, I believe, I shall see,
in this place, the land where I dwell:
trust in the Lord, take heart;
hold firm, hope in the Lord!
