Prayer for the Departed Loved Ones

Lord, help us to see death for what it really is,
     the end of poverty and the beginning of riches;
     the end of frustration and the beginning of fulfillment;
     the end of fear and the beginning of tranquility;
     the end of pain and the beginning of joy;
     the end of weakness and the beginning of strength.

Let not grief overwhelm us
     or a sense of loss embitter us.
But out of our sadness,
     let there arise a new joy
     for so much given to us.

Cast out our fears
     and let not our hearts be troubled.
Let your spirit of peace come alive
     within our experience and hurt,
     our sorrow and isolation,
     our sadness today and loneliness tomorrow.

We humbly commend to you, our dear (name of person)
     whom You have called out of this mortal life.
You loved him/her always with great love.
Now that you have freed him/her
     from all evils of the earth,
bring him/her into your paradise
     where there is no more grief
     or mourning or sadness
     but peace and joy with Your Son
     and the Holy Spirit forever.

We thank you for all the blessings
     You have given to (name of person)
     in his/her mortal life.
We pray that he/she may be able to glorify You
     with the life that he/she lived and the way
     he/she made use of his/her blessings.

Lord God, grant that we will never forget
     that life is short and uncertain.
Let your spirit guide us in holiness,
     justice and service to our brothers and sisters.

We pray for healing of all unhappy feelings
     (name of person)'s death now leaves in our hearts.
Be with us, Lord, during our moments of sorrow and loneliness.
You are our rock, our fortress and our strength.
We trust in You and hope in Your glorious resurrection.
We lift up to You our grief and sorrow,
     confident that You will change our mourning to rejoicing,
     that our beloved (name of person)
     now rests in Your peace.

Leader: Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord
All:       And let Your perpetual light shine
            upon him/her

Leader: May he/she rest in peace.
All:       Amen.

Leader: May the soul of (name of person)
            and the souls of all faithful departed
through the mercy of God,
            rest in peace.
All:       Amen.

Note:
<also known as Prayer for the Deceased Loved Ones, Prayer for the Dead, Novena Prayer for the Departed Loved Ones>