Jesus Wept, by James Tissot, via Wikimedia Commons
Gracious God, compassionate and caring,
we thank you that our sufferings are not undergone
apart from your watchful eye and care.
We thank you that you know when we hurt.
We thank you that Jesus walked with those
who went through difficult valleys.
We thank you that he grieved
and was touched by their sorrow
when he awakened Lazarus.
We need your assistance with us on our life journeys.
Be with the suffering, the discouraged, the lonely,
the depressed, the grieving.
Be with each of us when we walk through darkness.
Be with each of us as we seek to keep our lives in perspective.
Be with us; teach us the art of humility. Amen.
Richard J. Einerson, minister in the United Churches of Christ
Prayers of the People (slightly modified)
________________________
When Jesus saw [Mary] weeping,
and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping,
he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.
“Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
Jesus wept.
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb.
It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.
“Take away the stone,” he said.
prayer & verse 
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