Prayer for grandmothers

Father, surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Psalm 23:6.

Father, this is the verse I have known since I could speak. But the two words that hold me up these years are surely and all. Surely, not maybe. All, not most.

Your goodness and mercy do not just check in now and then. They follow. They are behind me, the way good friends walk behind a tired traveler to make sure she gets home.

I have been followed for a long time. I am being followed now. I will be followed for as many days as I have left. And one day I will dwell in Your house forever. Both are sure.

Let me walk today knowing You are behind me. Whatever phone calls come, Your goodness is following. Whatever errands I do not finish, Your mercy is following. Whatever surprises the news brings, the two of them are still behind me, walking with the same calm purpose they have walked the whole way.

Amen.