So I'm going invite you to join me in praying responsively that if you feel called, if you feel called to simply listen, you're welcome to do so. But the response for you will be:  "Lord, hear our prayer. "

 

And so when you hear me say the word Lord, you all are going to say, "hear our prayer." That's right.

 

Ever loving God, as we gather, to celebrate the life of Will Cabell, our beloved brother, husband, father, cousin, grandfather, and friend, help us find the strength to let his spirit shine forth in each of us.

 

When we find ourselves walking through the majesty of your woods and wilderness, fill us with the wonder Will brought to every encounter with nature.

 

Let us greet the magic of your creation from the most unusual mushroom to the most regal bald eagle with the same awe and curiosity Will brought to every amble through the forest.

 

Lord, hear our prayer.

 

When we encounter the multitude of objects humans have made from the bounty of your creation, help us understand, as Will did, the value of treasures others might call trash.

​

Help us find the patience to repair what is broken so that we may help the objects of our creation find new life and utility.

 

Lord, hear our prayer.

 

When the sound of music finds us, help us hear with Will's ears the glory of harmony.

 

May the memory of his voice, raised in song help us find the breath and the courage to sing at full volume a tribute to the legacy of his life's melody.

 

Lord, hear our prayer.

​

Whether in the presence of a storied masterpiece or a child's 1st scribbles of crayon, help us see the genius of art.

​

Let us discover both the freedom and discipline needed to become vessels of creativity to earnestly learn new skills and undertake ambitious creative endeavors, no matter our age or level of experience.

 

Lord, hear our prayer.

 

When the theatrical beckons, help us remember Will's deft talent as an actor and puppeteer when a character calls for self-expression, or the youngest among us demand, we give voice to their favorite playthings.

​

Let us find the humor and humility to do our very best rendition of the character in question

help us rest easy, knowing that when we laugh together, Will is laughing along with us.

 

Lord, hear our prayer.

​

When we encounter the tragedies of our world, both great and small. Let Will's generous spirit inspire us to provide for those in need.

 

Help us like him show hospitality to the unhoused, and give generously to the hungry that they may be fed.

 

Lord, hear our prayer

 

When we find ourselves in the presence of family as we do now, let us remember the extraordinary loving

care Will showed each of us.

 

While he left us suddenly with a debt of kindness that cannot be repaid. Help us, honor him by showing equal care for each other.

 

Help us draw on the same deep well of love Will showed every one of us.

 

Lord, hear our prayer.

 

In the last chapter of his life, Will gave Himself to his faith, serving as a warden and music director in his Church. may his faith be a beacon of inspiration to all of us.

 

That when we find ourselves mired in the shadow of grief or uncertainty, we may find solace in the light of God's love.

 

Lord, hear our prayer.

 

Dear God, help us to be a vessel of the memory of this extraordinary man, to tell the stories of his life, not just today, but for the rest of our lives, so that even those of us who didn't have the chance to know him fully, can remember his talented and generous spirit.

 

Lord, hear our prayer.

 

Give us the grace to meet tragedy with courage to find peace in the presence of grief and to love one another through both hardship and joy with wide, open hearts.