My Prayer to the Afterlife
(Now that I am with You)

Now that I am with You
and know what it is like to be near You
I never want to leave Your side again

Someday, all those I have loved and were left behind
will know what I know
and nothing makes me happier
than to understand that truth

How immense, how complete,
How forgiving, how wondrous,
How so full of love and light,
You are more than enough for me!

I have come to know You
and now have come to know myself
as a part of Your creation
as a part of this universe, endless, seamless,
awesome, and even now, incomprehensible

I see all those I love, and am no longer weary.
There is no pain here, for my senses are limitless
Their grieving may seem long, but once we meet again
It all will be as a twinkling of an eye

More than all I want, more than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know, more than all I see
You are more than enough for me

Over here, the struggle to see and hear and breathe ceases
I see everything, all at once
I hear everything, all at once.
I breathe in everything, all at once.

Over here, all things are remembered,
but are no longer necessary
All fear and longing, anxiety and loneliness,
grief and sadness are honored
as definite and needed as human experience
But their pains are left at the gates
exchanged for an overwhelming love
that holds one to the breast of God at all times

I hear the bells and I know that I am home.

© Rev. Paul V. Scholl