This little note is intended for someone quite ill, who may be preparing to enter into eternity. Not knowing you, I am somewhat shooting in the dark, but that's OK because these truths are the most common, essential issues and they are the sum of all knowledge. {first_name} I am told that you know of God, and that you may truly know him through the preached word, I also am a simple servant of many years and offer these few words.

KNOWING HOW TO PRAY, THAT WE MAY BE ASSURED.

Number one: there is no deed any man can do to guarantee entrance into God's eternal kingdom. In fact it is certain that most of the works that man deems best are possibly mortal sins. Therefore it is a man's best course to rely wholly and utterly upon the redemptive work our loving heavenly father performed in the fullness of time, in sending the one sacrifice for all sin, the lamb of God.
And where these have been forgiven there's no longer any sacrifice for sin, in fact the Lord says "Come and let us reason together, though your sins be as scarlet they shall be white as snow, though they be red as crimson they shall be as wool".

We all as beggars can rely on the fathers word, the staff of our whole life, by leaning upon the most sacrificial act that all history past points to and which every new age harks back to.

You and I brother can rest safely in our fathers provision, and be truly assured we were included in his death when he was crucified, putting to an end our old creature. And further, we were included in his resurrection, effectually exchanging our old for an entirely new creation.

And now as we prepare to return to him, we will exchange our earthly frame for yet another body even more glorious.

But my prayer for you is that that glory may be seen while still here in the body.

Finally, how aught we to pray this side of the veil?

Pray with me then... God and Father who made me and all that is, hallowed is your very name.

I acknowledge my trespasses and my innumerable besetting sins, Father, my iniquities are like to carry me away but for your provision in your Son who became sin, to become the remedy for all my sin.

I believe in him and ask again your forgiveness and mercy. By sheer faith I receive the unfathomable gift... as you say, "blessed is he to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity".

Since by faith and faith alone I am clean before my god, I confess that I am secure in that knowledge, and will seek to comfort others in it.

I acknowledge you have carried my sins far away and you have set my feet upon a solid place, that rock is Christ, and his intermediaries in the earth. Since I am provided for I will seek to point others toward your provision.

You have brought me to this place, in your ordination, my affairs will be settled. I can safely trust that you will provide for the affairs also of my family, friends and loved ones; for you are the lover of their souls as well.

I thank you and praise you for all that you have done and will yet do, and rejoice to be united when the time for my departure is at hand.

In your Son's name amen!

And in his Sons name I commend you to God, brother... farewell.
Mark Bender