Prayers for the Dead in Christ

These prayers, taken from the Order for Christian Burial in the Book of Common Prayer (1979), are suitable for use at any time. They are often used during periods of mourning, at anniversaries of a death, or at the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed (Nov. 2).

Traditional Language

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Almighty God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord:  Grant, we beseech thee, to thy whole Church in paradise and on earth, thy light and thy peace. Amen.

Grant that all who have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection may die to sin and rise to newness of life, and that through the grave and gate of death we may pass with him to our joyful resurrection.  Amen.

Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet by faith, that thy Holy Spirit may lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days.  Amen.

Grant to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind.  Amen.

Grant to all who mourn a sure confidence in thy fatherly care, that, casting all their grief on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love.  Amen.

Give courage and faith to those who are bereaved, that they may have strength to meet the days ahead in the comfort of a reasonable and holy hope, in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love.  Amen.

Help us, we pray, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting.  Amen.

Grant us grace to entrust N. to thy never-failing love; receive him into the arms of thy mercy, and remember him according to the favor which thou bearest unto thy people.  Amen.

Grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of thee, he may go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in thy heavenly kingdom.  Amen.

Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in thy eternal and everlasting glory, and, with [blessed N. and] all thy saints, to receive the crown of life which thou dost promise to all who share in the victory of thy Son Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Contemporary Language

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:  Grant, we pray, to your whole Church in paradise and on earth, your light and your peace. Amen.

Grant that all who have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection may die to sin and rise to newness of life, and that through the grave and gate of death we may pass with him to our joyful resurrection.  Amen.

Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet by faith, that your Holy Spirit may lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days.  Amen.

Grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins, and serve you with a quiet mind.  Amen.

Grant to all who mourn a sure confidence in your fatherly care, that, casting all their grief on you, they may know the consolation of your love.  Amen.

Give courage and faith to those who are bereaved, that they may have strength to meet the days ahead in the comfort of a reasonable and holy hope, in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love.  Amen.

Help us, we pray, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting.  Amen.

Grant us grace to entrust N. to your never-failing love; receive him into the arms of thy mercy, and remember him according to the favor which you always bear toward your people.  Amen.

Grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of you, he may go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in your heavenly kingdom.  Amen.

Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in your eternal and everlasting glory, and, with [blessed N. and] all your saints, to receive the crown of life which you  promise to all who share in the victory of your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.