Eternal and ever-loving God,
we are gathered here in your presence, in this last hour of (name)’s life.
We give you thanks for the gift they are to the world.
You were there when (name) took their first breath,
you have been walking with them their whole life long.
In the good times, in the bad times, in the joy and in the sorrow,
and now here in this final hour, you are with us.
As we gather together in this goodbye time, we say prayers of thankfulness
for all that we have appreciated about (name):
[open prayers]
Thank you for love that binds us together, and binds us to you.
Thank you that you will never let us go.
As (name) takes this final step towards you,
we give them into your hands.
Grant them peace, eternal peace,
and may light everlasting greet them as they step towards you.
We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour,
who stands at the door, waiting,
ready to welcome us home.
Amen.
*Medical Assistance in Dying
I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.