A prayer for Anne Giddings

A prayer offered by my father for Anne Giddings:

Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth, and lord of our lives, as we undertake the work of this committee, we ask for your guidance and blessing in all we do. Give us the wisdom to know truth from falsehood, right from wrong, your will from self-will. Give us the courage to act on that wisdom so our actions reflect our understanding that, as our founders said so clearly, we are one nation under you.

And we thank you, O God, for the life of our friend and colleague, Anne Giddings. As we grieve for her and her family in this time of loss, we remember Anne as one who had a full measure of the wisdom and courage to conduct herself as your steward.

She demonstrated in her life a character built upon principles fundamental to America: self-reliance; civic pride; respect for nature; frugality not to live beyond her means; thrifty use of resources; hard work in support of family, neighbor and community; love of education; volunteerism and civic service.

Anne was a model citizen in many ways, Lord. Her quiet and sunny demeanor cheered those around her. Her work with young people touched their lives and their parents for the better. Our community and our nation have been enriched by her dedicated spirit of caring and serving and glorifying you through the work of her head, hands and heart.

We know Anne is with you, Lord. Hold her in your loving arms, bring peace and comfort to her grieving family and friends, and keep us mindful of her as a true and faithful servant who contributed in great measure to building your kingdom on earth.

Amen.