How to Offer Prayers for the Departed and the Grieving

by Nitin Kumar Digital Marketing Company

Belief in life after death and being raised to the promised kingdom is one of the central tenets of Christianity. Passing away in body is not the end of the journey for the spirit. Christians believe that God will grant life everlasting to those who have been faithful to him when they were alive. But not everybody will be thus saved. The festival of All Saints Day is meant to offer intercession for loved ones who have died so that they too, might find the grace of God’s kingdom.

For those who have recently departed and for those grieving over them, prayer is important to help them find the calm of deliverance. If the burden of the loss of a person to whom you were close is still heavy, we recommend that you offer a prayer as part of a praying community. Not only will it help you share your grief, it will also be an opportunity to learn how others are coping with pain.

The highest level of sharing occurs when you converse with God himself. When you offer yourself to the Lord, in full faith and surrender, God will speak to you in myriads of ways. Often, you will find an answer in silent reflection or in the sound of birds chirping outside your window. Sometimes, you will need inspiration.

In John 11:25-26, Jesus says to a follower, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

The scriptures are a great source for writing a traditional prayer. But you can also write one that expresses your unique point of view. Given below is a list of 5 short prayer formats that we have used to pray for the loss of a loved one and those mourning them.

1. Prayer for Recently Deceased:

O holy father, hear out this humble servant of yours! I beg to put the souls of our dearly departed brother/sister in your hands. May you deliver them from all evil and grant them eternal peace.

May there be no more suffering or weeping for them. May they find the gates to paradise and your everlasting love. Amen!

2. Prayer for the Dead:

Merciful father in heaven, we pray for your forgiveness and absolution for those who of our brothers and sisters who have departed this earth. We intercede through Christ, your only son, who died on the cross and rose again on the third day. In his mercy, bless these your faithful servants, and grant them salvation this day. Amen!

3. Prayer for those in Mourning:

Dear father in heaven, I have so much to thank you for. You have been kind and loving to me for letting me know Mary - your most dutiful daughter. She loved and lived and was loved in return. I thank you for granting me the blessing of being with her in this life. May your mercy protect her evil and grant her eternal rest. Amen!

4. Prayer for Compassion:

Lord Jesus, we remember this day that you gave your life and suffered immensely so that our sins may be forgiven. Help us with the gift of compassion as we pray for those in grief and pain. Help them recover and get back on their feet. For those lost are most in need of your love and mercy. Grant us this day this humble prayer. Amen!

5. Prayer for Unexpected Death:

Dear Lord above, you are wise beyond man’s measure and know what plans you have for us. We only ask of you, through Mary, loving mother to your son, Jesus Christ, that you grant us an ounce of that wisdom and the strength and comfort of your faith. Grant this in your mercy. Amen!

The Salvation Garden virtually opens the gates for you, and for Christians around the world, giving you direct access to Jerusalem’s holy sites. Now you can send your prayer and have it physically placed in your chosen site of worship in the Holy Land. Write you prayer request here.