Internet Monk, Rest in Peace!

Michael Spencer reposed in Christ yesterday. A prayer for him and his family, and for all who mourn from this man from whom we learned much. It is from Starck's:

O holy and righteous God, it has pleased You to call from this life Your servant Michael by temporal death. Let us learn from this death that we, too, must die and leave this world, in order that we may prepare for it in time by repentance, a living faith, and avoiding the sins and vanities of the world. Refresh the soul that has now departed with heavenly consolation and joy, and fulfill for it all the gracious promises that in Your Word You have made to those who believe in You. Grant to the body a soft and quiet rest in the earth until the Last Day, when You will reunite body and soul lead them into glory so that the entire person who served You here may be filled with heavenly joy there. Comfort all who are in grief over this death, and be and remain to the bereaved their father, provider, guardian, helper, and support. Do not forsake them and do not withdraw Your hand from them, but let them abundantly experience Your goodness, grace, love and help, until You will grant them also a happy and blessed end. Hear us for Your mercy's sake.