Tragedy and death are unfortunate and inescapable human experiences. But, we can find hope in scripture and in prayers. That's why we put together a list of prayers for the dying, prayers for those in hospice care and prayers for the family members left behind. We hope that these prayers give you hope, comfort and facilitate the grieving process when experiencing loss.
For more encouragement and comfort when grieving the loss of a loved one, in addition to these prayers for the dying, we hope you'll watch the newest AFFIRM original and Pure Flix exclusive "Going Home" now streaming. "Going Home" is a show about loss, but it's equally about hope that has been described as "uplifting, lighthearted and healing."
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Prayer for The Dying
This beautiful prayer, modified from “A Book of Collects in Two Parts”, references Luke 24:13-35 and can be said for those we know who are nearing the end of their earthly life.
O God, our heavenly Father, have pity on your children in great bodily weakness who are drawing near the gates of death. Send your dear Son to meet with them on the way, and to stay with them, or the day is now far spent, that he may comfort them with the Word of your goodness, and break with them the bread of eternal life; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Hospice Patients
Chaplain Barry Pennington shares this prayer he often prays when visiting hospice patients. We, too, can pray the same prayer for those we may know in hospice, or when we hear of someone entering hospice care:
God, thank you for being with us right now. We confess that we don’t understand why things happen the way they do. We don’t understand why illness comes into our lives, but we do know that you walk every path of life with us. Remind [insert name] that you are walking with him/her right now. Remind [insert name] that you love him/her, no matter what he/she is going through. I also pray for [insert name]’s family. Give them your strength as they care for [insert name]. God, we thank you that you never leave us, that you never forsake us, but you love us. We trust you, and pray this in your name. Amen.
Prayer of Commendation
As death approaches, a Rite of Committal, which is the final act in the community of faith for a person's body, may take place. During this Rite, it is common to pray this Prayer of Commendation for the soul of the dying. In this prayer for the dying, it is Christians expressing their union in Christ and understanding of the paschal character of Christian death.
Go forth, Christian soul, from this world in the name of God the almighty Father, who created you, in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who suffered for you, in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you, go forth, faithful Christian. May you live in peace this day, may your home be with God in Zion, with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, with Joseph, and all the Angels and Saints. Amen.
Prayer for the Family and Mourners of The Dying
Losing a loved one can be difficult for the entire family. This prayer by Brad Andres asks God to comfort and care for the family during their grief:
God, Bring this family peace. Provide them with your comfort. Let them know you tenderly care for each and every one of them. Lead them to be reunited with their loved one some day. Sit with them in their mourning. Let your presence provide rest. Thank you, for the gift of life that [insert name] brought to the world. May [they] rest peacefully with you for eternity. Amen.
READ ALSO: 11 BIBLE VERSES ABOUT SADNESS, GRIEF AND OVERCOMING THE ODDS
Prayer for Those Who Have Passed
Even after a loved one leaves us, they still are worthy of prayers, including at their funeral or service. This suggested prayer can be said specifically at someone’s graveside:
Lord Jesus Christ, by your own three days in the tomb, you hallowed the graves of all who believe in you and so made the grave a sign of hope that promises resurrection even as it claims our mortal bodies. Grant that our brother/sister, [insert name], may sleep here in peace until you awaken him/her to glory, for you are the resurrection and the life. Then he/she will see you face to face and in your light will see light and know the splendor of God, for you live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
READ ALSO: 5 COMFORTING BIBLE VERSES FOR WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES
We hope that this list of prayers helps you or your family through this time of transition and loss. Our new show "Going Home," streaming exclusively on Pure Flix, deals with hope and healing at the end of life. Become a Pure Flix member today to access this heartfelt and inspiring show. Become a Pure Flix member today to access this heartfelt and inspiring show.
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