Pray for the Living and the Dead
Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can support others. Joining together in prayer for the living and the dead entrusts us all into God’s care.”
Quick prayer
One of the shortest and most common prayers for the dead:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
St. Gertrude’s Prayer for the Dead
Tradition holds that St. Gertrude the Great was told by Our Lord that the following prayer, when piously recited, would release 1,000 souls from purgatory:
“Eternal Father, I offer You the most precious blood of thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, for those in my own home and in my family. Amen.”
Prayer for our deceased loved ones
O God of all life, pour Your consoling grace upon all who mourn the passing of their loved ones. Hear our prayers for those we love dearly who have gone before us into the life to come. Look kindly on our departed friends, especially those we entrust to Your eternal mercy and goodness. (Here mention the names of your beloved deceased.)
Consider their deeds of caring, kindness and charity. Forgive them any sins they may have committed, and grant them the everlasting reward of Heaven.
Welcome my beloved deceased into the company of the Saints, where tears are no more, and suffering and pain are over. Where there is great joy, abundant life and peaceful rest in Your gracious presence. I pray one day to be united again with all my loved ones who have passed away, so that together we may praise You forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for the departed
Immortal God, Holy Lord, Father and Protector of all you have created, we raise our hearts to You today for those who have passed out of this mortal life. In your loving mercy, be pleased to receive them into Your Heavenly company and forgive them their failings and faults.
Your only Son, Christ our Savior, suffered so cruelly so that He might deliver souls from the second death. By His merits, may they share in the glory of His victory over sin and death.
May the merits and prayers of our Virgin Mother, Mary, and those of your Angels and Saints, speak to them and assist them now.
This we ask in Christ’s name.
Amen
Prayer for the Deceased
O gentlest heart of Jesus, ever present in the blessed sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on the soul of (Name of your beloved deceased).
Be not severe in Thy judgment, but let some drops of Thy precious blood fall upon the devouring flames, and do Thou O merciful Saviour send Thy angels to conduct him/her to a place of refreshment, light, and peace.
Prayer for mercy
O Lord, who are ever merciful and bounteous with Your gifts, look down upon the suffering souls in purgatory. Remember not their offenses and negligences, but be mindful of Your loving mercy, which is from all eternity. Cleanse them of their sins and fulfill their ardent desires that they may be made worthy to behold You face to face in Your glory. May they soon be united with You and hear those blessed words which will call them to their heavenly home: “Come, blessed of My Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Prayer for deceased parents
Our Lady, dearest Mother, please carry this plea to Our Loving Father, who has commanded us to honor our parents. May He have compassion on the souls of my father and mother, forgive them their sins, and grant that I may see them in the joy of eternal brightness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Resurrection Prayer
Most merciful Father, we commend our departed into Your hands. We are filled with the sure hope that our departed will rise again on the Last Day with all who have died in Christ. We thank You for all the good things You have given during our deparated’s earthly life.
O Father, in your great mercy, accept our prayer that the Gates of Paradise may be opened for your servant. In our turn may we, too, be comforted by the words of faith when we greet Christ in glory and we are united with You and our departed.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
In Our Hearts
We hold you close within our
hearts and there you shall remain
To walk with us throughout our
lives until we meet again.
So rest in peace, dear loved one, and
thanks for all you’ve done.
We pray that God has given you
the crown you’ve truly won.
Prayer for Consolation
O Heavenly Mother, hear my prayer. I come to your sheltering arms for protection and comfort. I bring to you my needs and desires. Wipe away my tears when I am weakened by sorrow and bring me peace through your love and intercession. Amen.
Prayer for the Faithful Departed
Gracious God, with faith in the Resurrection, I pray for (Name of your beloved deceased) and for all the faithful departed. With joy, I thank you for what we shared in this life. With hope, I entrust them to your mercy. purify them and welcome them to your Kingdom where they will see you face to face. With blessed anticipation, I look forward to the coming age, when, with your grace, I shall see you and be united with them again in paradise.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.