A Prayer For The Brothers

Almighty and Heavenly Father, infinite in wisdom, mercy and goodness, extend to us the blessings of Thy everlasting grace. Thou alone are a refuge and help in trouble and affliction. In this bereavement we look to Thee for support and consolation. Strengthen our belief that Death hath no power over a faithful and righteous soul. Though the dust returneth to the dust as it was, the spirit returneth unto Thee. As we mourn the departure of a brother beloved from the circle of our fraternity, may we trust that he hath entered into a higher brotherhood, to engage in nobler duties and in heavenly work, to find rest from earthly labor and refreshment from earthly care. May Thy peace abide within us, to keep us from all evil. Make us grateful for present benefits, and crown us with immortal life and honor. And to Thy name shall be all the glory forever. Amen.

A Psalm of David.

Psalms  23 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

God Is Our Fortress

Psalms 46 

God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. 

My Refuge and My Fortress

Psalms 91 

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
    and see the recompense of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
    the Most High, who is my refuge[b]—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
    no plague come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
    the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.

My Help Comes from the Lord

A Song of Ascents.

Psalms 121 

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
    he will keep your life.
8 The Lord will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and forevermore.

In Freemasonry, the acacia leaf holds symbolic significance and is often associated with various meanings. Here is a brief explanation of the acacia leaf’s meaning in Freemasonry:

  1. Immortality and the Soul: The acacia tree and its leaves are considered symbols of immortality and the eternal nature of the soul. Freemasonry teaches its members about the importance of living a virtuous life and preparing for the afterlife. The acacia leaf serves as a reminder of the soul’s immortality and the Masonic belief in life beyond death.

  2. Resilience and Strength: The acacia tree is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in challenging conditions. It is often used as a metaphor for the strength and endurance that Masons should possess. Just as the acacia tree withstands adverse circumstances, Freemasons are encouraged to persevere through trials and challenges, always maintaining their moral principles.

  3. Initiation and Initiate’s Badge: In Masonic initiation ceremonies, an acacia sprig or leaf is often presented to the candidate as a symbol of their initiation into Freemasonry. The acacia leaf represents their new journey and the lessons they will learn as they progress through the degrees of the Craft.

  4. Remembrance and Mourning: In some Masonic rituals, the acacia leaf is also associated with remembrance and mourning. It serves as a symbol of reverence and respect for departed brethren, reminding Masons of the bond and unity that extends beyond earthly life.

 

For Funeral or Memorial Service

O God, most mighty and most merciful, we thank Thee that amidst all the labor and the turmoil, the perplexity and the apparent confusion of life Thou hast not left us to wander unguided and alone. Thou hast set up the Ancient Landmarks to guide our course. Thou hast displayed the Great Lights to disclose our path. Thou hast set before us the shining goal of life immortal. Thou art ever with us to guide us in all our goings and to support us with the strength of Thine outstretched hand. Even though we go, as now, through places rough and dark, we are never forgotten nor forsaken. Thy love ever waits to supply our deepest need.

We thank Thee that Thou hast set some of that love in the hearts of men so that the solitary gather in families, friend cleaves to friend, and the tenderness of human affection makes earth a foretaste of heaven.

We thank Thee for the revelations of the deeper meanings of life which show us its oneness and continuity so that we know that here and now we are immortal, that life on earth is but a phase of that abounding and eternal life which we share with Thee.

We thank Thee for our Brother whom Thou gavest to be with us for a season. We thank Thee for our common labors, the aims and purposes we shared together, the ties which bound his soul to ours, the good he did and the service he rendered to us, to all who were dear to him, and to his fellow-men.

Bless to the comfort and the strengthening of our souls the thoughts and the experiences of this hour. May we go from this place with deeper sympathy, warmer love, stronger faith, more earnest purpose, so that we may govern our thoughts, words, and deeds in such wise that when we are summoned hence we may hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things: I make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Amen.