Some Saints on All Saints Days

I'm currently listening to Mozart's Requiem and trying to keep my tears on the inside.

Just a few moments ago we recited the Great Litanny together here at the Abbey, asking a rather lengthy list of notable Christian characters to pray for us. As we got into a cadence, I became more accutely aware of the "cloud of witnesses" than ever before. I also felt deeply impressed to address a few "saints" that have touched a more personal and intimate part of my soul:

Enoch, pray for me; that I would walk with God.
Jeremiah, pray for me; that I would remain faithful to Christ regardless of any measures of success.
Joseph, pray for me; that I would love my son as you did yours - with awe and wonder and acquiesence that God is the true Father.
Levi, pray for me; that I would drop all and follow.
Luke, pray for me; that I would tell the stories of the foreigners and outcasts.
Paul, pray for me; that I would find the language to cross cultures with the gospel.

Martin of Tours, pray for me; that I would send others into unknown wonders.
Brendan, pray for me; that I would embrace my journey with humility and urgency.
Benedict, pray for me; that I would become an Abbott-daddy to my spiritual family.
Charles De Foucauld, pray for me; that I would deny myself for Christ's sake.
Bonhoeffer, pray for me; that I would embody a monasticism for this time.

Johnny Cash, pray for me; that I would be an oak.

Brother I never knew, pray for me; that I would recognize you on That day.

Kyle Lake, pray for me; that I would be at peace with the God who infuriates me.

Papa, your heart still beats, but your true self is far closer to heaven than earth. Please pray for me, that I would live in your legacy of love and faith.