Procs

www.garethproctor.co.uk
(Prayer from funeral)
Gareth was a loyal, thoughtful, wonderful friend. In his company you felt relaxed and uplifted. I have known him all of my life and we never shared an angry word.

In conversation, he had a quality that is very rare…. he thought before he spoke. He was not careless with his words. Consequently his advice was wise and words were true. His humility was an inspiration. Though talented, he preferred the background to the front of the stage. Though knowledagble and of greater intellect, he preferred to ask your opinion than to give his own. Many of our conversations and his words of encouragement resonate with me today.

The last words I spoke to Procs on Saturday were, ‘I’ll see you soon bro’.
And I know I will. Because this life is just a vapour when compared to eternity and Procs has gone ahead to join with those great crowd of witnesses. No longer chained to this body but free to laugh and run and dance and sing… I don’t know what heaven’s like but I know if there’s a worship band there, it’s just got it’s new bass player.

Let’s pray-
Father of all mystery, whose ways are beyond comprehension.
Our minds are too small to understand,
Our words are ineffective to convey the groaning of our hearts.
Yet we are here…
To give you thanks for the life of Gareth.
We thank you for his laughter, for that streak of mischief, for his strength and for his loyalty to family and friend.
We thank you for the privilege it was to know him and the blessing and inspiration that he brought to all of us.

Father, Give comfort to Gayle and Joseph, to Joy and Robert, Timmy and Leah, Trevor and Valerie, Philip and Emma and all in this amazing family circle. We thank you so much for their immense faithfulness, unending love, and endless care for Gareth.

Holy Spirit, who speaks for us in groans when we have no words. Come alongside them. Be their refuge and strength, O Lord, and reassure them of your everlasting love.

Lord Jesus,
If we have never sought, we seek Thee now;
Thine eyes burn through the dark, our only stars;
We must have sight of thorn-pricks on Thy brow;
We must have Thee, O Jesus of the Scars.

The heavens frighten us; they are too calm;
In all the universe we have no place.
Our wounds are hurting us; where is the balm?
Lord Jesus, by Thy Scars we claim Thy grace.

The other gods were strong, but Thou wast weak;
They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne;
But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak,
And not a god has wounds, but Thou alone.

Father we thank you again for the life of our friend. Be with us now. In Jesus name, Amen.