That I Might Be . . .

By Leif Kehrwald

Have you ever been to a parish or church that had its own cemetery? I visited such a parish recently. St. George is a large suburban parish with a modern complex of worship space, community center, and grade school. These new buildings have been erected on the grounds where for many decades prior stood a simple, country church, with a graveyard tucked behind. The little church was removed to make room for new buildings, but of course the cemetery remains.

For the last 150 years, parishioners have been buried in this cemetery, along with several former pastors. Every Sunday parishioners are reminded of those saints who came before them — those who donated land and money to found the parish and build the first church, those who were baptized, received First Communion, were confirmed, and married in the church long ago. Those who lived well into old age, and those who died unexpectedly. These are the local saints of Saint George parish.

While most parishes do not have a cemetery, there are at least a couple of times each year when we remember the saints who have gone before us and paved the way of holiness.

One such time is early November when we celebrate the feasts of All Saints (November 1) and All Souls (November 2). Most parishes have a ritual to remember and celebrate parishioners who have recently passed away. The loss of these members is mourned, their families comforted, and their importance in our lives cherished. Imagine conducting such a ritual on the grounds of your church at the graveside of these loved ones, as they do at St. George's!

Another time when we remember the saints is during Holy Week at the Easter Vigil. This is when we sing a litany of saints, and implore them to intercede on our behalf. Take a moment to listen to Grayson Warren Brown's Litany of Saints. The lyrics are straight-forward, but the rhythm and melody draw you into the prayer.

Saint Mary:
We pray, O Lord.
Saint Paul:
We pray, O Lord.
Saint Elizabeth:
We Pray, O Lord.
Saint . . .
We pray, O Lord. (repeat as needed)
Now all you saints:
We pray, O Lord.

That we might be more holy:
This we ask you; hear our prayer.
That we might be like Jesus:
This we ask you; hear our prayer.
That we might live for justice:
This we ask you; hear our prayer.
That we might . . .
This we ask you; hear our prayer.
(repeat as needed)

O Lord, send down your Spirit:
This we ask you; hear our prayer.

Amen, amen, amen.
Amen, amen.
Amen, amen, amen.
Amen, amen.

As we near the end of our Lenten journey, as our spiritual retreat comes to a close, we turn to the saints and ask that, like them, we might be more holy, more like Jesus, that we might live for justice.

Notice that the lyrics above encourage us to name additional saints to whom we turn for intercession. Who are the saints in your life, who have gone before you to show you the path of holiness? For me, I pray the following:

Saint Mary Fitzgerald:
I pray, O Lord.
Saint Michael Kenny:
I pray, O Lord.
Saint Nancy Norstrum:
I pray, O Lord.

As you might imagine, each of these persons has played a key role in my spiritual journey. Who are the saints in your life?

Also, notice how the lyrics above invite you to add your particular intentions. As for me, this Holy Week, I pray:

That I may be more patient:
This I ask you, hear my prayer.
That I may be more positive and less cynical:
This I ask you, hear my prayer.
That I may be more humble and less self-righteous:
This I ask you, hear my prayer.

What are your specific intentions? Write them down. Call upon the saints of your spiritual journey to intercede for you. And conclude your prayer, in the rhythm of Grayson Warren Brown's Litany of Saints.

Amen, amen, amen.
Amen, amen.
Amen, amen, amen.
Amen, amen.

Spirit Compass reflections are developed in partnership
with the Center for Ministry Development.