As the nation mourns the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy, many are coming to find out about parts of his personality that were otherwise hidden or overshadowed by his political personality. In a WCVB-TV Boston Channel story, Kennedy was described as “a man of quiet prayer” up until his final hours last night. Even in the midst of his debilitated state, he led the prayer following the death of his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver. He will be remembered as a devout man by friends, family and the clergy whom he was close with, and it is my prayer that the millions around the world who are mourning the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy would remember him in this same light. Please join me in prayer.

Heavenly Father,

I thank you for the life of Senator Ted Kennedy. You gave him a rich life on this earth and I pray that now you can say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” I pray that though many are mourning the loss of this extraordinary man, they will remember to celebrate his life. To his family, I pray in the words of the prophet Isaiah, that you will give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Be with them in their time of despair and comfort them. Let it be well with their souls that Ted is absent from the body but present with you. May we all be encouraged by Ted’s life and work and continue to work for the good of our brothers and sisters. May we also find encouragement in the manner in which he spent his last days and hours, in prayer. May it serve as a reminder that you are with us, listening to us and comforting us all the way to our last breath. May we continually seek your face.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen