1 Let hope and sorrow now unite
to consecrate life's ending,
and praise good friends now gone from sight,
though grief and loss are rending.
The story in a well-loved face
the years and days our thoughts retrace,
are treasures worth defending.

2 With faith, or doubt, or open mind
we whisper life's great question.
The ebb and flow of space and time
surpass our small perception.
Yet knowledge grows with joyful gains
and finds out wonders far more strange
than hopes of resurrection.

3 Be glad for life, in age or youth;
its worth is past conceiving.
And stand by justice, love, and truth
as patterns for believing.
Give thanks for all each person gives -
as faith comes true, and Jesus lives,
there'll be an end to grieving.