Sometimes I long for my absent ones. Some are absent from me because miles or circumstances keep us apart. Others are absent from me by their own choice. Usually the longing comes out of the blue like it did this morning. I was reading, and a certain word brought one of my absent ones to mind and heart. I let the tears come for a while, and then I let my longing and my absent one go into good hands with these words:
"O God, [You] are present in every place: [I] pray You to protect with Your loving care [my] dear one, _____, who [is] away from [me]. Let Your fatherly hand direct [her]; prosper [her] in Your way; grant [her] daily strength for [her] daily needs; and inspire in [her] an unwavering faith in You, that [she] may live always to Your honor and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Book of Common Prayer, ‘For Absent Ones’