Thanksgiving Prayer

O God, Creator of the Universe, we know that seasons and times are in your hands. You give life and take it away. Thank you for giving us such a wonderful person, [name]. Thank you for the lives that you touched through our friend, [name], who is now at home with you. Even though we on earth have lost a great person, heaven has gained one of its own. All glory comes back to you, Father, for it was not our friend’s doing that enabled him/her to come to you but your own doing. Lord, grant us peace as we mourn the loss of [name] and always remind us that he/she is with you. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.