Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the beautiful gift of life that You have bestowed upon us, both in the form of new beginnings and eternal rest. Lord, Your Word tells us in 2 Corinthians 2:14-15, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."
We thank You for the joy and innocence that new life brings, symbolized here by the smell of a new baby dog. May this scent remind us of the purity and love that comes from Your creation. Let it be a reminder of Your continuous blessings and the joy that You bring into our lives.
Lord, we also lift up those who have gone to be with You in heaven. We find comfort in knowing that they are now in Your presence, experiencing the fullness of Your glory. As it is written in Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." We trust in Your promise of eternal life and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Father, fill our hearts with the fragrance of heaven, that we may always be reminded of Your love and grace. Help us to live our lives in a way that honors You and spreads the aroma of Christ to those around us.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.