Part Two:
Notes, additional services, additional content and sample services
I. Notes to The Funeral Service
II. A Service at Home Before the Funeral
III. Receiving the Coffin at Church Before the Funeral
V. On the Morning of the Funeral
VI. Pastoral Introduction to The Funeral Service
VII. The Outline Order for Funerals
X. A Service at Home after the Funeral
XII. Prayers at Funeral and Memorial Services
XIII. Bible Readings and Psalms for use at Funeral and Memorial Services
XIV. Canticles for use at Funeral and Memorial Services
XV. A Selection of suggested Hymns and Anthems for use at Funeral and Memorial Services
I. Notes to The Funeral Service
1) Sentences
Sentences of Scripture may be used at the entry, after the Introduction, or at other suitable points.
2) Receiving the Coffin
The coffin may be received into the church at the beginning of the service, or earlier in the day, or on the day before the funeral. The Paschal Candle may stand near the coffin and may be carried in front of the coffin when it is brought into the church. The coffin may be sprinkled with holy water on entry. This may also occur at the Commendation or at the Committal. A pall may be placed over the coffin in church by family, friends or other members of the congregation.
Appropriate symbols of the life and faith of the departed person may be placed on or near the coffin before or at the start of the service or after the opening prayer and hymn. Silence is kept. At the sprinkling, the placing of the pall or symbols, the words in Section VIII below may be used.
3) Responses
Except where the funeral service is used in the context of the Holy Eucharist, the congregational responses are optional.
4) Hymns, Psalms and Readings
Points are suggested at which hymns may be sung, but they may be used at any suitable place. A selection of hymns and anthems is provided in Section XV below. Psalms and
Readings should normally be drawn from those set out in Part 1, or in Section XIII below. A psalm should normally be used.
It may be in a metrical or hymn version or be replaced by a scriptural song. For Canticles see Section XIV below. There must always be one reading from the Bible. Appropriate non- biblical texts may be read before the Tribute.
5) Tribute and Sermon
The primary purpose of the Sermon, which should always be given by an authorised minister, is to proclaim the gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection in the context of the death of the deceased.
A fitting tribute may be made, most appropriately at the beginning of the service. An apposite non-biblical text may be read at the discretion of the minister.
6) Creed
An authorized Creed or an authorized Affirmation of Faith may be said after the Sermon.
7) The Committal
The Committal is used at the point at which it is needed, for example:
(a) at the burial of the body in a cemetery or churchyard;
(b) at the interment of cremated remains when this follows on the same day or the day following cremation, in which case the prayer “if the Committal is to follow at the Burial of the Cremated Remains” is used at the crematorium;
(c) at a crematorium when the interment of cremated remains is not to follow immediately;
(d) at the interment of cremated remains when cremation has taken place without any formal service;
(e) when burial takes place at sea;
(f) when the body or the cremated remains are to be deposited in a vault, mausoleum or brick grave, when these words may be used at the Committal: “We have entrusted our brother/sister to God’s mercy, and we now commit his/her body to its resting place.” Forms of Commendation and Committal are provided, but when occasion demands other authorised forms may be used.
8) Cremated Remains
The mortal remains of Christians should be buried in consecrated ground, except where burial is at sea. It is appropriate that, as in baptism we were buried with Christ,
so burial reminds us of the resurrection we share with Him. Burial of mortal remains ensures that the body is disposed of with reverence; and, placed in a Christian context with appropriate prayers, such explicit disposal provides pastoral support to a family and a place for prayer and memories in the ongoing bereavement process.
No Cleric or Reader of the Church in Wales may take part in the scattering of mortal remains, and neither may any Cleric permit mortal remains to be scattered in any churchyard under his or her control.
9) The Funeral Service within The Holy Eucharist
The Notes to the Order for the Holy Eucharist, as well as the Notes to the Funeral Service, apply equally to this service. Texts are suggested at different points, but other suitable texts may be used. In the Liturgy of the Word, there should be a Gospel reading, preceded by either one or two other readings from the Bible.
II. A Service at Home Before the Funeral
Hymns may be sung at appropriate points.
Preparation
In our grief, the Lord is in our midst and consoles us with his word:
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation. He comforts us in all our afflictions and thus enables us to comfort those who grieve with the same consolation we have received from him.
We shall not all die, but we shall be changed.
The trumpet shall sound and the dead will rise immortal, and we shall be changed. The perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal must be clothed with immortality.
We shall not all die, but we shall be changed.
These or other appropriate readings may be used:
1 Thessalonians 4. 13-15
Psalm 121
John 11. 21-25
Prayers
God, who brought us to birth,
and in whose arms we die,
in our grief hold and comfort us:
embrace us with your love,
give us hope in our confusion
and grace to let go into new life;
through Jesus Christ. Amen.
These or other prayers may follow:
Heavenly Father,
you are our refuge and strength.
Help and comfort us today:
increase our faith, dispel our fears, revive our hope.
May the Holy Spirit lift us from the darkness of our grief
to the light of your presence;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God of all consolation,
in your unending love and mercy
you turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life.
Your Son, by dying for us, conquered death
and, by rising again, restored to us eternal life.
May we then go forward eagerly to meet our Redeemer and, after our life on earth,
be reunited with all our brothers and sisters in your eternal Kingdom,
where every tear is wiped away and all things are made new;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Loving God,
enable us to hear the good news of death overcome and life renewed:
that, as we face the mystery of death, we may glimpse the light of eternity;
through Christ our risen Saviour. Amen.
Conclusion
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Saviour
be glory, majesty, power and authority,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
before all ages,
now and for evermore. Amen.
III. Receiving the Coffin at Church Before the Funeral
The coffin may be received into the church at the beginning of the Funeral Service, or earlier in the day, or on the day before the Funeral.The Paschal Candle should stand near the head of the coffin.
Receiving the Coffin
The minister meets the coffin at the door of the church and says:
We receive the body of our brother/sister N. with confidence in God, the giver of life, who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead.
The coffin may be sprinkled with holy water, and these words may be used:
With this water we call to mind N.’s baptism. As Christ went through the deep waters of death for us, so may he bring us to the fullness of resurrection life with N. and all the redeemed.
or
Grant, Lord, that we who are baptized into the death of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ may continually put to death our evil desires and be buried with him; and that through the grave and gate of death we may pass to our joyful resurrection; through his merits, who died and was buried and rose again for us, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
These or other suitable sentences of scripture may be used. The minister may add ‘Alleluia’ to any of these sentences.
John 11. 25, 26
Romans 8. 38, 39
1 Thessalonians 4. 14, 17b, 18
1 Timothy 6. 7; Job 1. 21b
Lamentations 3. 22, 23
Matthew 5. 4
John 3. 16
When the coffin is in place, the minister prays using these or other suitable words:
God our Father,
by raising Christ your Son you destroyed the power of death and opened for us the way to eternal life.
As we remember before you our brother/sister N.,
we ask your help for all who shall gather in his/her memory.
Grant us the assurance of your presence and grace,
by the Spirit you have given us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A pall may be placed over the coffin by family, friends or other members of the congregation and these words may be used:
We are already God’s children, but what we shall be has not yet been revealed.
Yet we know that when Christ appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
or
On Mount Zion the Lord will remove the pall of sorrow hanging over all nations.
He will destroy death for ever. He will wipe away the tears from every face.
A Bible may be placed on the coffin, with these words:
Lord Jesus Christ,
your living and imperishable word brings us to new birth. Your eternal promises to us and to N. are proclaimed in the Bible.
A cross may be placed on the coffin, with these words:
Lord Jesus Christ,
for love of N. and each one of us you bore our sins on the cross.
Readings and Prayers
Heavenly Father,
you have not made us for darkness and death, but for life with you for ever.
Without you we have nothing to hope for; with you we have nothing to fear.
Speak to us now your words of eternal life.
Lift us from the darkness of our grief to the light and peace of your presence, and set the glory of your love before us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
John 14. 1-6 or other appropriate readings may be read, with psalms and prayers and silence.
Almighty God,
you love everything you have made and judge us with infinite mercy and justice.
We rejoice in your promises of pardon, joy and peace to all those who love you.
In your mercy turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life and the sorrow of parting into the joy of heaven; through our Saviour Jesus Christ, who died, who rose again, and lives for evermore. Amen.
Closing Prayer
The minister uses one or more of these prayers:
N. has died in the peace of Christ.
As we leave his/her body here, we entrust him/her,
with faith and hope in everlasting life,
to the love and mercy of our Father
and surround him/her with our love and prayer.
(In baptism, he/she was made by adoption a child of God.)
(At the eucharist, he/she was sustained and fed. God now welcomes him/her to his table in heaven to share in eternal life with all the saints.)
God of all consolation,
your Son Jesus Christ was moved to tears at the grave of Lazarus his friend.
Look with compassion on your children in their loss; give to troubled hearts the light of hope and strengthen in us the gift of faith, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord God almighty is our Father:
he loves us and tenderly cares for us.
The Lord Jesus Christ is our Saviour:
he has redeemed us and will defend us to the end.
The Lord, the Holy Spirit is among us:
he will lead us in God’s holy way.
To God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
be praise and glory, today and for ever. Amen.
The service may end with a time of silence.
IV. A Funeral Vigil
The vigil may take place as part of a service at church before the Funeral, or it may be a separate service. It may take place in church, at home or in another suitable place, such as a hospital chapel. It may also be used for close family members or friends who, because of infirmity or other similar reasons, are unable to be present at the Funeral.The Gathering and the Ending may be omitted if the vigil is part of another service.
The Gathering
O Lord, open our lips:
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy,
Shepherd and Protector of your grieving people,
their beginning and their ending.
Lead us to a place of peace and refreshment;
guide us to springs of life-giving water;
wipe away the tears from our eyes and bring us to heaven
where there is no more death,
no more grief or crying or pain
in your presence, Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
blessed be God for ever.
Christ yesterday and today,
the beginning and the end,
Alpha and Omega;
all time belongs to him, and all ages;
to him be glory and power,
through every age and for ever. Amen.
If candles are to be lit:
May the light of Christ, rising in glory,
banish all darkness from our hearts and minds.
A Suitable Reading or Readings
Suggestions follow.
Assurance and Comfort:
Isaiah 61. 1-3: To comfort all who mourn.
Psalm 139
Psalm Prayer:
Lord,
you created and fashioned us, you know us and search us out,
you abide with us through light and dark:
help us to know your presence in this life and,
in the life to come, still to be with you;
where you are alive and reign,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 1. 3-9: We have been born anew to a living hope.
Canticle: A Song of God’s Children.
John 14. 1-6: In my Father’s house are many rooms.
The Faithfulness of God:
Isaiah 53. 1-10: The suffering servant.
Psalm: 116. 1-8 (9-17)
Psalm Prayer:
Lord of life,
we walk through eternity in your presence.
Lord of death,
we call to you in grief and sorrow:
You hear and rescue us.
Watch over us as we mourn the death of your servant,
precious in your sight,
and keep us faithful to you. Amen.
Romans 8. 31-end: Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
Revelation 21. 1-7: Behold I make all things new.
Canticle: A Song of the Justified.
John 6. 35-40 (53-58): All that the Father gives me will come to me.
The Hope of Heaven:
Wisdom 3. 1-5, 9: The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God.
Psalm: 25. 1-9
Psalm Prayer:
God of our salvation,
in our sorrow we lift our hearts to you
and put our faith in you.
Have compassion on us,
forgive us, and love us to eternity,
as you guide and teach us in the way that lies ahead
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Romans 8. 18-25 (26-30): The future glory.
Revelation 21. 22-end; 22. 3b-5: The Lord God will be their light.
Canticle: A Song of Faith.
John 14. 1-6: In my Father’s house are many rooms.
Easter:
Job 19. 23-27: I know that my Redeemer lives.
Psalm: 32
Psalm Prayer:
Lord, our hiding place in times of trouble,
you bring our guilt to mind.
Your hand seems heavy, our tongues dry up
And we openly confess our guilt.
Embrace us with your mercy;
Teach us to trust you,
and bring us at the last to rejoice in your presence for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 2. 8-13: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him.
Canticle: A Song of the Redeemed.
John 11. 17-27: I am the resurrection and the life.
Advent:
Daniel 12. 1-3 (5-9): Everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.
Psalm: 27
Psalm Prayer:
O God our defender,
give us the light of truth and wisdom that all our hope may be fixed on you,
and on your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Canticle: The Song of Manasseh.
Matthew 25. 31-end: The final judgement.
An Unexpected Death:
Wisdom 4. 8-11, 13-15: Age is not length of time.
Psalm 6
Psalm Prayer:
Our eyes, Lord, are wasted with grief;
you know we are weary with groaning.
As we remember our death in the dark emptiness of the night,
have mercy on us and heal us;
forgive us, and take away our fear
through the dying and rising of Jesus your Son. Amen.
2 Corinthians 4. 7-15: We carry in our mortal bodies the death of Jesus.
Canticle: Nunc Dimittis (The Song of Simeon).
Luke 12. 35-40: The coming of the Son of Man.
A Child:
2 Samuel 12. 16-23: David’s son dies.
Psalm 38. 9-end
Psalm Prayer:
Lord, have mercy on those who go about mourning all the day long,
who feel numb and crushed
and are filled with the pain of grief,
whose strength has given up,
and whose friends and neighbours are distant.
You know all our sighing and longings:
be near to us and teach us to fix our hope on you alone;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Wisdom 4. 8-11, 13-15: Age is not length of time.
Canticle: A Song of St. Anselm.
Luke 12. 35-40: The coming of the Son of Man.
Closing Prayer
The minister says this or another suitable ending:
The Lord God almighty is our Father:
he loves us and tenderly cares for us.
The Lord Jesus Christ is our Saviour:
he has redeemed us and will defend us to the end.
The Lord, the Holy Spirit is among us:
he will lead us in God’s holy way.
To God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
be praise and glory, today and for ever. Amen.
V. On the Morning of the Funeral
This brief form of service is intended to provide a short time of recollection some time before going to the Funeral. It may be led by a friend, family member or the minister.
Preparation
As we set out on our journey today, we pray for the presence of Christ, who has gone this way before us.
Lord Jesus, you have shown us the way to the Father:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, your word is a light to our path:
Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are the good shepherd, leading us into everlasting life:
Lord, have mercy.
The Word
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’ The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.
It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. For the Lord will not reject for ever. Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
you have not made us for darkness and death, but for life with you for ever.
Without you we have nothing to hope for; with you we have nothing to fear.
Speak to us now your words of eternal life;
Lift us to the light and peace of your presence,
and set the glory of your love before us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
VI. Pastoral Introduction to The Funeral Service
God’s love and power extend over all creation. Every life is precious to God. Christians have always believed that there is hope in death as in life, and that there is new life in Christ beyond death.
Jesus said,
“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die”
There is a real sense of loss at the death of a loved one. We will each have had our own experiences of their life and death,with different memories and different feelings of love, grief and respect. To recognize this at the beginning of the service should help us to express our faith and our feelings as we say farewell, to acknowledge our loss and our sorrow, and to reflect on our own mortality. Those who mourn need support and consolation. Our presence here today is part of that continuing support.
VII. The Outline Order for Funeral
The Gathering
1) The coffin may be received at the door by the minister.
2) Sentences of scripture may be used.
Introduction
3) The minister welcomes the people and introduces the service.
4) A hymn may be sung.
5) The Collect is said.
Readings and Sermon
6) One or more readings from the Bible is used.
7) Psalms or hymns may follow the readings.
8) A sermon may be preached.
Prayers
9) The prayers usually follow this sequence:
- † Thanksgiving for the life of the departed.
- † Prayer for those who mourn.
- † Prayer for readiness to live in the light of eternity.
10) A hymn may be sung.
Commendation and Farewell
11) The dead person is commended to God.
The Committal
12) The body is committed to its resting place.
The Dismissal
13) The Lord’s Prayer may be said.
14) The Nunc Dimittis may be used.
15) Suitable prayers may be said.
16) The service may end with a blessing.
If the Funeral Service takes place within a celebration of Holy Communion, the appropriate sections are followed for that part of the service.
VIII. Supplementary Texts
Sentences
God will show us the path of life;
in his presence is the fullness of joy:
at his right hand there is pleasure for evermore.
Out of the depths have I cried to you,
O Lord; Lord, hear my voice;
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplications.
I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that at the last he will stand upon the earth;
and after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my body I will see God.
Yes, I will see him for myself
with my own eyes - I, and not another.
We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. And so we will be with the Lord for ever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
We brought nothing into the world,
and we can take nothing out of it.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.
At the celebration of the Holy Eucharist:
Jesus said,
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day”. (Alleluia!)
Psalm 46. 1
Ecclesiastes 5. 15, 16
Lamentations 3. 22, 23
Matthew 5. 4
Matthew 25. 34
Luke 23. 43
John 3. 16
John 6. 40
John 11. 25, 26
John 14. 2, 3
Romans 8. 38, 39
1 Corinthians 2. 9-10a
1 Corinthians 15. 25, 26
2 Corinthians 1. 3, 4
2 Corinthians 5. 1
Some texts which may be used by the minister:
Receiving the Coffin
We receive the body of our brother/sister N.
with confidence in God, the giver of life,
who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead.
Sprinkling the Coffin with Holy Water
With this water we call to mind N.’s baptism.
As Christ went through the deep waters of death for us,
so may he bring us to the fullness of resurrection life with N. and all the redeemed.
or
Grant, Lord,
that we who are baptized into the death of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ may continually put to death our evil desires and be buried with him:
and that through the grave and gate of death we may pass to our joyful resurrection;
through his merits, who died and was buried and rose again for us,
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Covering the Coffin with a Pall
We are already God’s children,
but what we shall be has not yet been revealed.
Yet we know that when Christ appears we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.
or
On Mount Zion the Lord will remove the pall of sorrow hanging over all nations.
He will destroy death for ever.
He will wipe away the tears from every face.
Placing a Bible on the Coffin
Lord Jesus Christ,
your living and imperishable word brings us to new birth.
Your eternal promises to us and to N. are proclaimed in the Bible.
Placing a Cross on the Coffin
Lord Jesus Christ,
for love of N. and each one of us you bore our sins on the cross.
The Blessing of a Grave
O God,
whose Son Jesus Christ was laid in a tomb:
bless, we pray, this grave
as the place where the body of N. your servant may rest in peace,
through your Son, who is the resurrection and the life;
who died and is alive and reigns with you
now and for ever. Amen.
IX. Funeral of a Child
Notes
- The general Notes to the Funeral Service (section I) and the Outline Order for Funerals (section VII) apply equally to this service.
- The presence of young children at a child’s funeral should be welcomed and their needs should be borne in mind. In particular it is helpful if there is an appropriate adult who can accompany all the children
- Care should be taken to ensure that it is clear who is presiding throughout, who introduces and concludes the service, and that the number of other speakers, musical items and non-biblical readings does not unbalance the service from its focus on the word of God, prayer and thanksgiving.
- Wherever possible, the name of the child should be used in the text of the service.
- A parent may wish to carry the coffin of a very young child/baby.
- Where there is a celebration of the eucharist and children are present suitable eucharistic prayers should be used.
Resources for the Funeral of a Child
These resources are suitable for different occasions and different ages.
The Gathering
Grace and peace be with you:
and keep you in the love of Christ.
We meet in the name of Jesus Christ,
who died and was raised to the glory of God the Father.
We have come together to worship God,
whose own Son Jesus died on the Cross that we might have eternal life;
to thank God for his love;
to remember the life on earth of this child N.;
to pray that his/her parents N. and N.,
brother N. and sister N., may be comforted in their sadness;
to share our grief and to commend N.
to the loving care of God.
Introductory Sentences
I tell you, in heaven the angels of these little ones continually see the face of my Father in heaven.
Romans 8. 38, 39
Revelation 7. 17
1 John 3. 2
Mark 10. 14
Isaiah 66. 13
Opening Prayers
God of all mercies,
you make nothing in vain
and love all that you have made.
Comfort us in our grief,
and console us by the knowledge of your unfailing love,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God,
who brought us to birth, and in whose arms we die,
in our grief, contain and comfort us;
embrace us with your love,
give us hope in our confusion
and grace to let go into new life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God of love,
you have bound us together in life with N. / those we love
and opened the door of heaven
through the suffering and resurrection of Jesus;
look upon us in your mercy,
give us courage to face our grief
and bring us all to the fullness of the risen life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings
One of the following Scriptural passages may be suitable.
Psalm 23
Psalm 84. 1-4
Song of Solomon 2. 10-13
Isaiah 49. 15, 16
Jeremiah 1. 4-8
Jeremiah 31. 15-17
Matthew 18. 1-5, 10
Mark 10. 13-16
John 6. 37-40
John 10. 27, 28
Romans 8. 18, 28, 35, 37-39
1 Corinthians 13. 1-13
Ephesians 3. 14-19
Prayers
The prayers usually follow this sequence:
- Thanksgiving for the child’s life, however brief.
- Prayer for those who mourn.
- Prayer for readiness to live in the light of eternity.
Some suggestions follow, from which a choice will need to be made according to age and circumstances.
1.
The Lord Jesus is the lover of his people and our only sure hope.
Let us ask him to deepen our faith and sustain us in this dark hour.
You became a little child for our sake, sharing our human life.
To you we pray: bless us and keep us, O Lord.
You welcomed children, promising them your kingdom.
To you we pray: bless us and keep us, O Lord.
You comforted those who mourned the loss of children and friends.
To you we pray: bless us and keep us, O Lord.
You took upon yourself the suffering and death of us all.
To you we pray: bless us and keep us, O Lord.
You promised to raise up those who believe in you,
just as you were raised to glory by the Father.
To you we pray: bless us and keep us, O Lord.
2.
Father, you know our hearts and share our sorrows
at our parting from N., whom we love:
when we are angry at the loss we have sustained,
when we long for words of comfort,
yet find them hard to hear,
turn our grief to more patient faith,
our affliction to firmer hope
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
3.
Father,
[the death of N. brings an emptiness into our lives.
We are separated from him/her
and feel broken and bewildered.]
Give us confidence that N. is safe
and his/her life is complete with you,
and bring us together at the last
to the wholeness and fullness of your presence in heaven,
where your saints and angels enjoy you for ever and ever. Amen.
4.
Lord,
we pray for those who mourn,
for parents and children,
friends and neighbours.
Be gentle with them in their grief.
Show them the depths of your love,
a glimpse of the kingdom of heaven.
Spare them the torment of guilt and despair.
Be with them as they weep,
as Mary wept beside the empty tomb of our risen Saviour. Amen.
5.
Most merciful God,
whose wisdom is beyond our understanding,
surround the family of N. with your love,
that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss,
but have confidence in your love,
and strength to meet the days to come.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
6.
God of hope,
we come to you in shock and grief and confusion of heart.
Help us to find peace
in the knowledge of your loving mercy to all your children,
and give us light to guide us out of darkness
into the assurance of your love
from which nothing can separate us. Amen.
7.
O God,
you do not willingly grieve or afflict your children.
Look with pity on the suffering of this family in their loss.
Sustain them in their anguish;
and into the darkness of their grief bring the light of your love;
through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
8.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ:
the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
The Lord is near to those who call upon him:
to all who call upon him faithfully.
As a father is tender towards his children:
so is the Lord tender to those that fear him.
As a mother comforts her child:
so shall the Lord bring you comfort.
Then Jesus took the children in his arms:
he placed his hands on each of them and blessed them.
For the Parents
9.
Heavenly Father,
you alone can heal our broken hearts;
you alone can wipe away the tears that well up inside us;
you alone can give us the peace we need;
you alone can strengthen us to carry on.
We ask you to be near those
whose time of joy has been turned into sadness.
Assure them that with you nothing is wasted or incomplete,
and uphold them with your tender love.
Supported by your strength,
may our love for one another be deepened
by the knowledge of your love for us all. Amen.
10.
Loving Father,
in your mercy you have brought your daughter N.
through childbirth in safety.
We pray that N. (and N.) will know your support and love in this time of trouble and sorrow at the loss of their child, and enjoy your protection always;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
11.
Loving Father,
your servant Mary,
the mother of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ,
stood by the cross while her Son was dying.
May that same Jesus,
victorious over death, risen and ascended,
give comfort to all grieving parents,
and strengthen their faith in you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Children in the Family
12.
Lord Jesus,
we ask you to be close to the children of this family,
whose lives have been changed by sorrow.
Give them courage to face their loss,
and comfort them with your unchanging love. Amen.
13.
Please listen God,
while we talk to you about N. who has died.
Take care of him/her and please take care of us too.
Thank you for the times we had together,
Thank you for Jesus who shows us your love.
He is close to N., and he is close to us.
Thank you God. Amen.
In times of Stillbirth or Miscarriage
14.
God our creator,
from whom all life comes,
comfort N. (and N.),
grieving for the loss of his/her/their baby.
Help him/her/them to find assurance
that with you no life is wasted or incomplete,
and uphold him/her/them with your love,
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
15.
Gracious God,
we thank you for the love in which this baby (N.) was conceived and for the love of the home into which he/she was to be born.
We pray that the love which his/her parents have for each other may grow and deepen.
Give us grace, in patience and understanding, to listen to each other, and to help one another in the days to come. Amen.
Prayer of Farewell
16.
Heavenly Father,
N. and N. have named their baby N. -
a name to be treasured for ever in their hearts.
But it was you who formed him/her in the womb;
you knew him/her by name before time began.
Now we commit N. into your ever-caring and gentle love;
he/she brought the promise of joy to many lives for so short a time;
enfold him/her now in eternal life,
in the name of our risen Saviour who was born and died and lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit for ever. Amen.
Prayers which may be commended for personal use by the parents
17.
God of love and life,
you gave N. to us as our son/daughter.
Give us now the assurance
that though he/she has passed from our sight,
he/she has not passed from your care.
Draw near to us in our sadness, bring blessing out of grief,
and help us in our tears and pain
to know you standing alongside us and to experience your love and healing;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
18.
God of all mystery,
whose ways are beyond understanding,
lead us, who grieve at this untimely death,
to a new and deeper faith in your love,
which brought your only Son Jesus
through death into resurrection life.
We make our prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
19.
God of unfailing compassion,
in your creative love and tenderness you gave us N.,
so full of hope for the future.
You are the source of all our lives, the strength of all our days.
You did not make us for darkness and death but to see you face to face
and to enjoy abundant life.
Help us to comfort one another
with the consolation we ourselves receive from you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
20.
God of all grace and comfort,
We thank you for N.,
and for the place he/she held in all our hearts.
We thank you for the love in which he/she was conceived
and for the care with which he/she was surrounded.
As we remember times of tears and laughter,
we thank you for the love we shared because of him/her,
reflecting that love which you poured upon us
in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
21.
God our Father,
you know our thoughts and share our sorrows.
Lead us out of desolation
to the caring comfort of your love.
When we forget what happiness is,
renew in us fresh springs of hope.
When we feel bereft of peace,
restore our hearts and calm our fears.
And when we come at last to our departing,
bring us home with you for ever;
the family of God complete;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
22.
Heavenly Father, our companion,
whose love is always with us,
even in the dark mystery of suffering and loss:
we turn to you now in faith,
and ask you to give to our beloved child N.
the protection of your love.
Comfort us, Father,
and lead him/her to joy and fulfilment in your heavenly kingdom,
by the power of the love revealed to us in your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
23.
Lord of all,
we thank you for your work in creation,
for nourishing life in the womb,
for your love even in death.
Thank you for the life of this child N.,
whom you gave to us and have taken to yourself.
Thank you for the arms of your love,
embracing both us and N. in your family.
Thank you for your presence in our sorrow
and your strength as our family grows older.
Take our sadness,
and fill us with your Spirit to serve you on earth
and join your saints in glory;
though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Commendation and Farewell
God our creator and redeemer,
by your power Christ conquered death and returned to you in glory.
Confident of your victory and claiming his promises,
we entrust N. into your keeping in the name of Jesus our Lord,
who, though he died, is now alive
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever. Amen.
An Older Child
Into your hands, Lord,
our faithful creator and most loving redeemer,
we commend your child N.,
for he/she is yours in death as in life.
In your great mercy
gather him/her into your arms
and fulfil in him/her the purpose of your love;
that, rejoicing in the light and refreshment of your presence,
he/she may enjoy that life which you have prepared for all those who love you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Young Child
Heavenly Father,
whose Son our Saviour
took little children into his arms and blessed them:
receive, we pray, your child N.
into your never-failing care and love,
comfort all who have loved him/her on earth,
and bring us all to your everlasting kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Baby
To you, gentle Father,
we humbly entrust this child N.,
so precious in your sight.
Take him/her into your arms
and welcome him/her into your presence where there is no sorrow nor pain,
but the fullness of peace and joy with you for ever and ever. Amen.
Stillbirth
God of compassion,
you make nothing in vain and love all you have created;
we commend to you N. and N.’s child N.,
for whom they poured out such great love,
for whom they cherished so many hopes and dreams.
We had longed to welcome him/her amongst us;
grant us the assurance that he/she is now encircled in your arms of love,
and shares in the resurrection life of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Miscarriage
God of compassion,
you make nothing in vain and love all you have created;
we commend to you N. and N.’s child (N.),
for whom they poured out such great love,
for whom they cherished so many hopes and dreams.
Grant them the assurance that their child,
though not seen by us, is seen and known by you,
and will share the risen life of your Son,
Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Committal
The minister uses one of the following forms of Committal.
At the burial of a body:
In the faith of Christ and believing that N. is in the hands of God,
we commit his/her body to the ground:
earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust:
in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who will transform our frail bodies that they may be conformed to his glorious body,
who died, was buried, and rose again for us.
To him be glory for ever. Amen.
In a crematorium, if the Committal is to take place then:
We have entrusted N. to God’s mercy.
In the faith of Christ and believing that N.
is in the hands of God,
we commit his/her body to be cremated:
in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who will transform our frail bodies that they may be conformed to his glorious body,
who died, was buried, and rose again for us.
To him be glory for ever. Amen.
In a crematorium, if the Committal is to follow at the Burial of cremated remains:
We have entrusted N. to God’s mercy.
In the faith of Christ and believing that N.
is in the hands of God,
in preparation for his/her burial,
we give his/her body to be cremated:
We look for the fullness of the resurrection
when Christ shall gather all his saints
to reign with him in glory for ever. Amen.
The Dismissal
God be in my head
and in my understanding;
God be in mine eyes,
and in my looking;
God be in my mouth,
and in my speaking;
God be in my heart,
and in my thinking;
God be at mine end,
and at my departing. Amen.
Blessings
May Christ the good shepherd enfold you with love,
fill you with peace, and lead you in hope,
to the end of your days;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
May God give you his comfort and his peace,
his light and his joy, in this world and the next;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
May the love of God
and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ bless and console you,
and all who have known and loved N., this day and for evermore. Amen.
X. A Service at Home after the Funeral
This service may be adapted for use either immediately after the funeral or later. It may be led by a friend or family member or by a minister.
At the Door
The minister may say
In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The peace of God our heavenly Father,
of Jesus Christ the source of peace,
and of the Holy Spirit the comforter
come upon this house and all who live here.
Open, O God, the door of this house;
let your light shine here to drive away all darkness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Word of God
One or more of the following readings may be used:
John 14. 1-3
Matthew 11. 28-30
Philippians 3.20 – 4.1
Psalm 71. 1-6, 17-18
Psalm 126. 5-6
Psalm 139. 7-11
Prayers
A suitable prayer or prayers from Section XII may be used, or informal prayer for the family may be more appropriate.
The following prayer may be especially appropriate if there is to be food after the funeral.
Almighty God,
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
whose disciples recognized him
as he broke bread with them after the resurrection:
we thank you for your strength upholding us
in what we have done today,
and now we ask for your presence to be recognized in this place;
bring your peace and joy to each place which stirs the memory;
give your strength and presence in those daily tasks which used to be shared;
and in all the changes of life give us grace to do your will day by day,
and to look for the glorious coming of Christ,
when you will gather us together to your table in heaven to be with you for ever and ever. Amen.
Conclusion
The minister may say Psalm 121:
I lift up my eyes to the hills — from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore.
XI. A Memorial Service
A Memorial Service An outline Order for a Memorial Service
The Gathering
1) The minister welcomes the people and introduces the service.
2) A hymn may be sung
3) Sentences of scripture may be used.
4) A tribute may be read here or later in the service.
5) The Collect may be said here or after the Prayers.
Readings and Sermon
6) One or more readings from the Bible is used.
7) Psalms or hymns may follow the readings.
8) A Sermon is preached.
9) Other songs and readings may be used, and tributes may be made.
Prayers
10) The prayers usually follow this sequence:
- † Thanksgiving for the life of the departed;
- † Prayer for those who mourn;
- † Prayer for readiness to live in the light of eternity.
11) The Lord’s Prayer is said.
12) Time may be allowed for prayer and reflection, in silence or with appropriate music.
Commendation and Thanksgiving
13) In appropriate circumstances, the dead person is commended to God with authorised words.
14) An appropriate act of thanksgiving is made at the end of the service.
The Dismissal
15) A hymn may be sung.
16) The service may end with a blessing.
If the Memorial Service takes place within a celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the appropriate sections are followed for that part of the service.
Notes
These outline orders are designed for use in church several weeks after the Funeral service has taken place.
One example is provided below.
If the memorial service takes place on the same day as, or very soon after the Funeral, the Funeral service should be used without the committal.
Care should be taken to ensure that it is clear who is presiding throughout, who introduces and concludes the service, and that the number of other speakers, musical items and non- biblical readings does not unbalance the service from its focus on the word of God, prayer and thanksgiving.
Memorial Service
(A Sample Service)
The Gathering
The minister welcomes the people and introduces the service. Sentences of Scripture may be sung or said, and a hymn may be sung.
The minister says:
We meet in the name of Jesus Christ,
who died and was raised to the glory of God the Father.
Grace and peace be with you.
(and keep you in the love of Christ).
The minister introduces the service in these or other suitable words:
We look not to the things that are see
but to the things that are unseen;
for the things that are seen are transient
but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Today we come together
to remember before God our brother/sister N.,
to give thanks for his/her life,
and to comfort one another in our grief.
Opening Prayer. One of these prayers is said:
Father in heaven,
we thank you because you made us in your own image and gave us gifts in body, mind and spirit.
We thank you now for N.
and for what he/she meant to each of us. As we honour his/her memory,
make us more aware that you are the one from whom comes every perfect gift,
including the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Amen.
or
Father in heaven,
we praise your name
for all who have finished this life loving and trusting you,
for the example of their lives,
the life and grace you gave to them and the peace in which they now rest.
We praise you today for your servant N.
and for all that you did through him/her.
Meet us in our sadness
and fill our hearts with praise and thanksgiving,
for the sake of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Readings and Sermon
This canticle may be used:
The ransomed of the Lord shall return,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice:
the desert shall burst into song.
They shall see the glory of the Lord:
the majesty of our God.
The ransomed of the Lord shall return,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Strengthen the weary hands:
make firm the feeble knees. Say to the anxious,
Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement:
coming with judgement to save you.
The ransomed of the Lord shall return,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
One or more readings from Scripture are used.
At the end the reader may say:
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
or
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Thanks be to God.
A Sermon may be preached.
Songs and non-biblical readings may be used, and tributes may be made.
One of these prayers may be used to provide a link with the Affirmation of Faith or the Thanksgiving:
Father in heaven,
we give you thanks for your servant N.
We praise you as we recollect his/her life and cherish his/her memory.
We bless you that in bearing your image
he/she has brought light to our lives;
in his/her friendship we have seen reflections of your compassion,
in his/her integrity demonstrations of your goodness,
in his/her faithfulness glimpses of your eternal love.
Grant to each of us, beloved and bereft,
the grace to follow his/her good example
so that we with him/her may come to your everlasting kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who died and rose again and opened the gate of glory,
to whom be praise for all eternity. Amen.
or
Almighty Saviour,
those who have died in faith
have eternal joy in your presence.
For us who remain, be with us in our sadness and turn our eyes to you.
By your death once for all upon the cross,
raise us to new life,
give us victory over death
and confidence to look forward to your coming. Amen.
Affirmation of Faith
This Affirmation of Faith may be used:
Let us affirm the good news we have received,
in which we stand,
through which we are saved
and which we hand on to others.
Christ died for our sins
in accordance with the scriptures;
he was buried;
he was raised to life on the third day in accordance with the scriptures;
afterwards he appeared to his followers, and to all the apostles:
this we have received,
and this we believe. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Suitable prayers are said (see Section XII).
This introduction and response may be used:
In peace let us pray to the Lord,
using the response,
Hear us, risen Lord:
Our Resurrection and our Life.
Prayers of Thanksgiving
Hymns may be sung and testimony given.
Either the whole of the Te Deum, or these verses, may be used:
You Christ are the King of glory:
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free:
you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death:
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory:
we believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people:
bought with the price of your own blood.
And bring us with your saints:
to glory everlasting.
One or more of these thanksgivings may be used:
You are worthy, O Lord our God:
to receive glory and honour and power .
For you created all things:
and by your will they have their being.
You are worthy, O Lamb, for you were slain:
and by your blood you bought for God
people of every tribe and language, nation and grace.
You have made them a kingdom of priests,
to stand and serve before our God:
and they will reign with you on earth.
To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb:
be praise and honour, glory and might,
for ever and ever. Amen.
or
We give you thanks and praise, almighty Father,
that you sent your Son to die, and raised him from the dead. We praise you in the confidence that you save all your people, living and departed.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
We thank you for N., who in baptism was given the pledge of eternal life and is now admitted to the company of the saints.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
We thank you for our brother/sister who shared the bread of life, a foretaste of the eternal banquet of heaven.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
We thank you for our relatives and friends and for all who have walked with us on our earthly pilgrimage.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
We pray that the family and friends of our brother/sister N. may be consoled in their grief by the Lord, who wept at the death of Lazarus his friend.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
We pray for all of us assembled here to worship in faith, that we may be gathered together again in God’s kingdom.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
or
Lord God, creator of all,
you have made us creatures of this earth,
but have also promised us a share in life eternal.
According to your promises,
may all who have died in the peace of Christ
share with your saints in the joy of heaven,
where there is neither sorrow nor pain
but life everlasting.
Alleluia! Amen.
If the Eucharist is not celebrated:
Let us pray with confidence to the Father:
Our Father in heaven ...
or
As our Saviour taught us, we boldly pray:
Our Father who art in heaven ...
Commendation and Thanksgiving
Almighty God,
in your great love
you crafted us by your hand
and breathed life into us by your Spirit.
Although we became a rebellious people,
you did not abandon us.
In your tender mercy you sent your Son
to restore us in your image.
He showed his love
by dying for us on the cross.
By your mighty power
you raised him from the grave
and exalted him to the throne of glory.
Rejoicing in his victory
and trusting in your promise
to give eternal life to all who turn to Christ,
we commend N. to your mercy
and we join with all your faithful people
and the whole company of heaven
in the one unending song of praise:
Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Peace
Jesus said:
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives give I unto you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
The peace of the risen Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
The Conclusion
Neither death nor life can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grant to us, Lord God,
to trust you not for ourselves alone,
but also for those whom we love
and who are hidden from us by the shadow of death;
that, as we believe your power
to have raised our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead,
so may we trust your love
to give eternal life to all who believe in him;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The God of peace,
who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great shepherd of the sheep,
make you perfect in every good work to do his will;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
XII. Prayers at Funeral and Memorial Services
These prayers reflect the sequence found in the services, from the time of gathering until after the Funeral:
Gathering Prayers
Prayers of Penitence (Kyries and Absolutions) Collects for Funeral and Memorial Services Thanksgiving for the Life of the Departed Prayers for those who Mourn
Prayers for Readiness to Live in the Light of Eternity Litanies and Responsive Prayers
Prayers of Entrusting and Commending Blessings and other Endings
Prayers for Use after Psalms
Other suitable prayers may be found in sections II -V (Before the Funeral) and X (After the Funeral).
Prayers suitable for a child may be found in section IX.
Gathering Prayers
1.
God our refuge and strength,
close at hand in our distress;
meet us in our sorrow and lift our eyes
to the peace and light of your constant care.
Help us so to hear the word of your grace
that our fear may be dispelled by your love,
our loneliness eased by your presence
and our hope renewed by your promises
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2.
Gracious Father,
in darkness and light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us to trust your love,
to serve your purpose and to praise your name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
3.
Heavenly Father,
you have not made us for darkness and death,
but for life with you for ever.
Without you we have nothing to hope for;
with you we have nothing to fear.
Speak to us now your words of eternal life.
Lift us from anxiety and guilt
to the light and peace of your presence,
and set the glory of your love before us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers of Penitence
Kyries
4.
Remember, Lord, your compassion and love,
for they are everlasting.
Lord, have mercy. (Lord, have mercy)
Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions,
but think on me in your goodness, O Lord, according to your steadfast love.
Christ, have mercy. (Christ, have mercy)
O keep my soul and deliver me;
let me not be put to shame, for I have put my trust in you.
Lord, have mercy. (Lord, have mercy)
5.
Lord Jesus, you have shown us the way to the Father:
Lord, have mercy. (Lord, have mercy)
Lord Jesus, you have given us knowledge of your truth:
Christ, have mercy. (Christ, have mercy)
Lord Jesus, you are the good shepherd,
leading us into everlasting life:
Lord, have mercy. (Lord, have mercy)
6.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits:
Lord, have mercy. (Lord, have mercy)
Who forgives all your sin
and heals all your infirmities:
Christ, have mercy. (Christ, have mercy)
Who saves your life from destruction
and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness:
Lord, have mercy. (Lord, have mercy)
7.
Out of the depths I cry to you:
Lord, hear my voice.
Lord, have mercy. (Lord, have mercy)
If you should mark what is done amiss:
who may abide it?
Christ, have mercy. (Christ, have mercy)
Trust in the Lord,
for with him there is mercy:
for with him is ample redemption.
Lord, have mercy. (Lord, have mercy)
Absolutions
Where the minister is a priest, 'you' may be used in place of 'us'.
8.
May the God of love
bring us back to himself,
forgive us our sins
and assure us of his eternal love
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
9.
May God our Father forgive us our sins
and bring us to the fellowship of his table
with his saints for ever. Amen.
Collects for Funeral and Memorial Services
10.
Merciful Father,
hear our prayers and comfort us;
renew our trust in your Son,
whom you raised from the dead;
strengthen our faith
that (N. and) all who have died in the love of Christ
will share in his resurrection;
who lives and reigns with you,
now and for ever. Amen.
11.
Eternal God, our maker and redeemer,
grant us (with N.) and all the faithful departed
the sure benefits of your Son’s saving passion and glorious resurrection;
that, in the last day, when you gather up all things in Christ,
we may, with them, enjoy the fullness of your promises;
through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Thanksgiving for the Life of the Departed
12.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us all with the gift of this earthly life
and has given to our brother/sister N. his/her span of years and gifts of character.
God our Father, we thank you now for his/her life,
for every memory of love and joy,
for every good deed done by him/her
and every sorrow shared with us.
We thank you for his/her life;
for our memories of him/her, and for giving him/her to us.
Hear our prayers
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
13.
Merciful Father and Lord of all life,
we praise you that we are made in your image
and reflect your truth and light.
We thank you for the life of your child N., for the love he/she received from you and showed among us.
Above all, we rejoice at your gracious promise to all your servants, living and departed,
that we shall rise again at the coming of Christ.
And we ask that in due time
we may share with our brother/sister that clearer vision,
when we shall see your face
in the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
14.
Father in heaven,
we praise your name for all who have finished this life
loving and trusting you, for the example of their lives,
the life and grace you gave them,
and the peace in which they rest.
We praise you today for your servant N.
and for all that you did through him/her.
Comfort us in our sadness
and fill our hearts with praise and thanksgiving,
for the sake of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
15.
Father in heaven,
we thank you because you made us in your own image
and gave us gifts in mind, body and spirit.
We thank you now for N.
and for what he/she meant to each of us.
As we honour his/her memory,
make us more aware that you are the one from whom comes every perfect gift,
including the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Amen.
16.
God our Father,
we thank you that you have made each of us in your own image,
and given us gifts and talents with which to serve you.
We thank you for N.,
the years we shared with him/her,
the good we saw in him/her,
the love we received from him/her.
Now give us strength and courage to entrust him/her to your care,
confident in your promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
17.
Eternal God and Father,
we praise you that you have made us to share life together
and to reflect your glory in the world.
We thank you now for N.,
for all that we saw of your goodness and love in his/her life
and for all that he/she meant to each one of us.
As we journey towards death
may we do so in the company of Jesus,
who came to share our life
that we might share the life of eternity.
To him be glory with you and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.
18.
Lord God, creator of all,
you have made us creatures of this earth
and promised us a share in eternal life:
receive our thanks and praise
that, through the passion and death of Christ,
your child N, our brother/sister,
whom we commend into your hands today,
shares with your saints in the joy of heaven,
where there is neither sorrow nor pain
but life everlasting. Alleluia! Amen.
19.
Almighty God,
you love everything you have made,
and judge us with infinite mercy and justice.
We rejoice in your promises of pardon, joy and peace to all those who love you.
In your mercy
turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life,
and the sorrow of parting into the joy of heaven;
through our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who died, rose again, and lives for evermore. Amen.
20.
Almighty God,
we come before you, the supreme judge,
and to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant,
and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect;
we give you thanks for giving us an unshakeable kingdom
and worship you in reverence and awe,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers for those who Mourn
21.
God of mercy,
as we mourn the death of N.,
and thank you for his/her life,
we also remember times when it was hard for us to understand,
to forgive, and to be forgiven.
Heal our memories of hurt and failure,
and bring us to forgiveness and life
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
22.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you comforted your disciples when you were going to die:
set our troubled hearts at rest
and banish our fears.
You are the way: help us to follow you.
You are the truth: bring us to know you.
You are the life: give us the grace to live with you now and for ever. Amen.
23.
O God,
who brought us to birth,
and in whose arms we die,
in our grief and shock contain and comfort us;
embrace us with your love,
give us hope in our confusion
and grace to let go into new life;
through Jesus Christ. Amen.
24.
Father,
you know our hurts and share our sorrows.
When we are hurt by our parting from N. whom we loved;
when we are angry at the loss we have sustained;
when we long for words of comfort, yet find them hard to hear;
turn our grief to truer living, our affliction to firmer hope
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
25.
Gracious God,
surround all who mourn this day with your continuing compassion.
Do not let grief overwhelm your children, or turn them against you.
When sorrow seems never-ending, take them one step at a time
along your road of death and resurrection in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
26.
Father,
the death of those we love brings emptiness into our lives.
We are separated from him/her
and feel broken and confused.
Give us confidence that he/she is safe
and his/her life complete with you,
and bring us together at the last to the wholeness and fullness of your presence in heaven,
where your saints and angels enjoy you for ever and ever. Amen.
27.
God of all mercy,
in love you gave us your Son to conquer death
and restore eternal life to your people.
Comfort your servants in their sorrow,
and strengthen our faith and hope in your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
28.
Most merciful God,
whose wisdom is beyond our understanding,
surround the family of N. with your love,
that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss,
but have confidence in your goodness
and strength to meet the days to come.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
29.
Father of all mercies and God of all consolation,
you pursue us with untiring love
and dispel the shadow of death with the bright dawn of life.
(Give courage to this family in their loss and sorrow. Be their refuge and strength, reassure them of your continuing love and lift them from the depths of grief into the peace and light of your presence.)
Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by dying destroyed our death,
and by rising, restored our life. Your Holy Spirit, our comforter,
speaks for us in sighs too deep for words.
Come alongside your people,
remind them of your eternal presence
and give them your comfort and strength. Amen.
30.
Lord God,
you are attentive to the voice of our pleading.
Let us find in your Son comfort in our sadness,
certainty in our doubt and courage to live;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
31.
Risen Lord Jesus,
draw near to us as we walk this lonely road.
Pierce our sorrow and weariness,
and gladden our heavy hearts as you walk with us,
and bring us at the last to your heavenly table. Amen.
32.
O God,
you do not willingly grieve or afflict your children.
Look with pity on the suffering of this family in their loss.
Sustain them in their anguish;
and into the darkness of their grief bring the light of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
33.
Almighty God,
Father of all mercies and giver of all comfort:
deal graciously, we pray, with those who mourn,
that, casting all their care on you,
they may know the consolation of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
34.
Out of the depths of our grief, we cry to you, O Lord.
You gave N. to us,
and now he/she is gone from us.
Turn to us, have compassion,
and give us the comfort that you alone can give,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
After a Short Life
35.
Lord our God,
you blessed us through the gift of N., whose loss we mourn.
Help us, through our tears and pain,
to glimpse your hand at work
to bring blessing out of grief.
To you be glory for ever. Amen.
36.
God of all mystery,
whose ways are beyond understanding,
lead us, who grieve at this untimely death,
to a deeper trust in your love,
which brought your only Son Jesus through death into resurrection life.
We make our prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
After a Sudden Death
37.
God of hope,
we come to you in shock and grief.
Help us to find peace
in the knowledge of your loving mercy to all your children,
and give us light to guide us out of our darkness
into the assurance of your love,
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
After a Violent Death
38.
Merciful God,
the death of N. is beyond our understanding and more than we can bear.
Hear the cries of our grief,
for you know the anguish of our hearts.
Accept our prayer
that as N. has been released from this world’s cruelty
so may he/she be received into your safe hands and secure love.
We pray that justice may be done
and that we may treasure the memory of his/her life more than the manner of his/her death.
For Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
When the Body is Not Present
39.
Father of all,
we pray to you for N.,
whom we love but now no longer see. Grant him/her your peace;
let light perpetual shine upon him/her;
and in your loving wisdom and almighty power
work in him/her the good purpose of your perfect will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
After a Suicide
40.
Eternal God and Father,
look in mercy on those who remember N. before you.
For N. the trials of this world are over and death is past.
Accept from us all that we feel when words fail;
deliver us from despair
and give us strength to meet the days to come
in the faith of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
41.
God our strength and our redeemer:
you do not leave us in this life nor abandon us in death.
Hear our prayer for those in despair,
when days are full of darkness
and the future empty of hope.
Renew in them your sustaining strength for nothing in all creation
can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
After a Long Illness
42.
God of deliverance,
you called our brother/sister N.
to serve you in weakness and pain,
and gave him/her the grace of sharing the cross of your Son.
Reward his/her patience and forbearance,
and grant him/her the fullness of Christ’s victory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Sorrow, Guilt and Regret
43.
Forgiving God,
in the face of death we discover how many things remain undone,
how much might have been done otherwise.
Redeem our failure;
Bind up the wounds of past mistakes;
Transform our guilt to active love;
and by your forgiveness make us whole;
in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayers for Readiness to Live in the Light of Eternity
44.
Support us, O Lord,
all the day long of this troublous life,
until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,
the busy world is hushed,
the fever of life is over and our work is done.
Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging,
a holy rest, and peace at the last;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
45.
Grant us, Lord,
the wisdom and the grace to use aright the time
left to us on earth.
Lead us to repent of our sins,
the evil we have done
and the good we have not done;
and strengthen us to follow the steps of your Son,
in the way that leads to the fullness of eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
46.
God, our Father,
we thank you that you sent your Son Jesus Christ to die for us and rise again.
His cross declares your limitless love;
his resurrection, that death has no dominion:
By his victory we are assured that you will never leave us or forsake us;
and that neither death nor life,
nor things present nor things to come,
can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
47.
Almighty God,
encouraged by the example of your saints,
may we run with patience the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus,
the pioneer and perfecter of our faith;
so that at the last we may join those whom we love
in your eternal presence where there is fullness of joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
48.
Almighty God,
you have surrounded us by a great cloud of witnesses.
As you strengthened them,
inspire us to throw off all that weighs us down and the sin that clings so closely.
As you sustained them,
keep us running in the race that lies ahead,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
Hear us as we offer with them,
in the power of your eternal Spirit,
the unending song of praise,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
49.
Father,
your Son has become the source of eternal salvation for all who follow him.
When we are tempted to turn from your way,
form us in the obedience of Christ, our brother.
When our consciences are stained by sin,
cleanse us with the sacrifice of Christ, our priest.
When we fear our death and the death of those we love,
strengthen us in the knowledge that Christ has gone before us
and entered your holy presence,
crowned with glory and honour,
where he is alive and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
50.
Eternal God,
whose Son Jesus Christ said,
“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid”,
take away our fear of death;
bring us to the place he has gone to prepare for us;
and give us his peace for ever. Amen.
51.
Bring us, O Lord,
at our last awakening,
into the house and gate of heaven,
to enter into that gate and dwell in that house,
where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light;
no noise nor silence, but one equal music;
no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession;
no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity;
in the habitations of your glory and dominion, world without end. Amen.
52.
Dear Father of life,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.
Grant us so to love and serve you,
and live each day for you, that we may, at the last,
reach out for you and know that we are loved,
open our hearts to you and know that we are forgiven;
and so, loved and accepted, we may rest in you;
through the love of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
53.
Eternal God,
you give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death;
let your light shine on those who mourn
that they may rejoice in your holy comfort
and live in the light of the resurrection
of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
54.
Father of all,
by whose mercy and grace
your saints remain in everlasting light and peace:
we remember with thanksgiving
those whom we love but see no longer;
and we pray that in them your perfect will may be fulfilled;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
55.
Eternal Lord God,
you hold all souls in life:
shed forth, we pray,
upon your whole Church in heaven and on earth
the bright beams of your light and heavenly comfort;
and grant that we,
following the good example
of those who loved and served you here and are now at rest,
may at the last enter with them into the fullness of your eternal joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Litanies and Responsive Prayers
56.
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Jesus, bread from heaven,
you satisfy the hungry with good things:
grant us a share with all the faithful departed
in the banquet of your kingdom.
Hear us, risen Lord,
Our Resurrection and our Life.
Jesus, the light of the world,
you gave the man born blind the gift of sight
and opened the eyes of his faith:
bring those in darkness to your eternal light and glory.
Hear us, risen Lord,
Our Resurrection and our Life.
Jesus, Son of the living God,
you summoned your friend Lazarus from death to life:
raise us at the last to full and eternal life with you.
Hear us, risen Lord,
Our Resurrection and our Life.
Jesus, crucified Saviour,
in your dying you entrusted each to the other,
Mary your mother and John your beloved disciple:
sustain and comfort all who mourn.
Hear us, risen Lord,
Our Resurrection and our Life.
Jesus, our way and truth and life,
you drew your disciple Thomas from doubt to faith:
reveal the resurrection faith to the doubting and the lost.
Hear us, risen Lord,
Our Resurrection and our Life.
May God in his infinite love and mercy bring the whole Church,
living and departed in the Lord Jesus,
to a joyful resurrection and the fulfilment of his eternal kingdom. Amen.
57.
Let us turn to Christ Jesus with confidence
and faith in the power of his cross and resurrection.
Risen Lord, pattern of our life for ever:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Promise and image of what we shall be:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Son of God who came to destroy sin and death:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Word of God who delivered us from the fear of death:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Crucified Lord, forsaken in death, raised in glory:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, gentle shepherd who brings rest to our souls,
give peace to N. for ever:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you bless those who mourn and are in pain.
Bless N.’s family and friends who gather around him/her today:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
58.
The Lord Jesus is the lover of his people and our only sure hope.
Let us ask him to deepen our faith and sustain us in this dark hour.
You became a little child for our sake, sharing our human life.
To you we pray:
Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
You grew in wisdom, age and grace
and learned obedience through suffering.
To you we pray:
Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
You welcomed children,
promising them your kingdom.
To you we pray:
Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
You comforted those who mourned the loss of children and friends.
To you we pray:
Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
You took upon yourself the suffering and death of us all.
To you we pray:
Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
You promised to raise up those who believe in you,
just as you were raised up in glory by the Father.
To you we pray:
Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
59.
Dear friends, our Lord comes to raise the dead and comforts us with the solace of his love.
Let us praise the Lord Jesus Christ.
Word of God, creator of the earth to which N. now returns, in baptism you called N. to eternal life to praise your Father for ever:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Son of God, you raise up the just and clothe them with the glory of your kingdom:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Crucified Lord, you protect the soul of N. by the power of your cross, and on the day of your coming will show mercy to all the faithful departed:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Judge of the living and the dead, at your voice the tombs will open and all the just who sleep in your peace will rise and sing the glory of God:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
All praise to you, Jesus our Saviour, death is in your hands and all the living depend on you alone:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
60.
Lord Jesus Christ, you know the thoughts of our hearts, you share our joys and sorrows;
deepen our faith and sustain us in this dark hour.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw near to us who mourn for N., and dry the tears of all who weep.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Lord, you wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend, comfort us also in our sorrow.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
(Lord, your child N. was washed in the waters of baptism, and anointed with the Holy Spirit; grant him/her fellowship with all your saints.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.)
(Lord, you nourished N. with your Body and Blood; grant him/her a place at the table in your kingdom.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.)
(Lord, your deacon/priest/bishop N. led your people in prayer and sacraments; may he/she now share in the worship of heaven.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.)
Lord, let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
61.
Almighty Father, Creator God, source and goal of every life:
Have mercy upon us.
Jesus Christ, crucified Saviour and living Lord, companion and guide:
Have mercy upon us.
Holy Spirit, by whose power we are renewed, and by whose light we may walk without doubt or fear:
Have mercy upon us.
In the weakness of our faith, the shallowness of our hope, and our lack of love:
Have mercy upon us.
When we keep our gifts to ourselves, and endeavour to live without you:
Have mercy upon us.
Because you have made us for yourself:
We thank you, Lord.
Because you hold all souls in life:
We thank you, Lord.
Because in all our griefs and troubles you refresh us, leading us by the waters of comfort:
We thank you, Lord.
Because by the resurrection of your Son you have given us the assurance of faith, the light of hope and the power of love:
We thank you, Lord.
62.
Let us pray with confidence to God our Father, who raised Christ his Son from the dead for the salvation of all.
Grant, Lord, that your servant may know the fullness of life which you have promised to those who love you.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Be close to those who mourn:
increase their faith in your undying love.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
May we be strengthened in our faith,
live the rest of our lives in following your Son,
and be ready when you shall call us to eternal life.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Show your mercy to the dying;
strengthen them with hope,
and fill them with the peace and joy of your presence.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Lord,
we commend all those who have died to your unfailing love, that in them your will may be fulfilled;
and we pray that we may share with them in your eternal kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers of Entrusting and Commending
63.
Lord Jesus, our redeemer,
you willingly gave yourself up to death,
that all might be saved and pass from death to life.
By dying you unlocked the gates of life for all those who believe in you.
We commend N. into your arms of mercy, believing that, with sins forgiven,
he/she will share a place of happiness, light and peace in the kingdom of your glory for ever. Amen.
64.
N. has died in the peace of Christ.
We entrust him/her, with faith and hope in everlasting life,
to the love and mercy of our Father
and surround him/her with our love and prayer.
(In baptism, he/she was made by adoption a child of God. At the eucharist, he/she was sustained and fed.
God now welcomes him/her to his table in heaven to share in eternal life with all the saints.) Amen.
65.
Heavenly Father,
your Son Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead,
will raise up the bodies of his faithful people
to be like his in glory.
We commend N. to your mercy
and pray that as you gather him/her to yourself,
you will give us your blessing of peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who died and rose again to save us,
and is now alive and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit in glory for ever. Amen.
66.
Heavenly Father,
you have assured us
that everyone who looks to your Son
and believes in him
shall have eternal life.
Trusting in your faithfulness,
we commend N. to your mercy
as we await that great day
when you raise us with him/her to life in triumph
and we shall stand before you,
with all your creation made new
in the glory of your heavenly kingdom. Amen.
67.
God our creator and redeemer,
by your power Christ conquered death and returned to you in glory,
bearing in his body the marks of his passion.
Confident of your victory and claiming his promises,
we entrust N. into your keeping in the name of Jesus our Lord,
who, though he died, is now alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
68.
Almighty God,
as you bring us face to face with our mortality,
we thank you for making each one of us in your own image and giving us gifts in body, mind and spirit.
We thank you now as we honour the memory of N.,
whom you gave to us and have taken away.
We entrust him/her to your mercy,
and pray that you will show us the path of life,
and the fullness of joy in your presence through all eternity. Amen.
69.
Almighty God,
in your great love
you crafted us by your hand
and breathed life into us by your Spirit.
Although we became a rebellious people,
you did not abandon us.
In your tender mercy you sent your Son
to restore us in your image.
He showed his love
by dying for us on the cross.
By your mighty power
you raised him from the grave
and exalted him to the throne of glory.
Rejoicing in his victory
and trusting in your promise
to give eternal life to all who turn to Christ,
we commend N. to your mercy
and we join with all your faithful people
and the whole company of heaven
in the one unending song of praise:
Blessing and honour
and glory and power be yours,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Blessings and Other Endings
70.
And now to him
who is able to keep us from falling,
and lift us from the dark valley of despair to the bright mountain of hope,
from the midnight of desperation to the daybreak of joy;
to him be power and authority, for ever and ever. Amen.
71.
God be in my head,
and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes,
and in my looking;
God be in my mouth,
and in my speaking;
God be in my heart,
and in my thinking;
God be at my end,
and at my departing. Amen.
72.
May Christ the good shepherd enfold you with love,
fill you with peace,
and lead you in hope to the end of your days;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
73.
May the love of God
and the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ
console you and gently wipe every tear from your eyes.
May Almighty God bless you,
The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
74.
May the eternal God bless and keep us,
guard our bodies,
save our souls
and bring us safe to the heavenly country,
our eternal home,
where Father, Son and Holy Spirit reign,
one God for ever and ever. Amen.
For a Memorial Service
75.
The love of the Lord Jesus draw you to himself,
the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen you in his service,
the joy of the Lord Jesus fill your hearts;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
76.
May the infinite and glorious Trinity,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
direct our life in good works,
and after our journey through this world,
grant us eternal rest with the saints. Amen.
77.
The Lord God almighty,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
he holy and undivided Trinity,
guard us,
save us,
and bring us to that heavenly city
where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
78.
The Lord God almighty is our Father:
He loves us and tenderly cares for us.
The Lord Jesus Christ is our Saviour:
He has redeemed us and will defend us to the end.
The Lord, the Holy Spirit is among us:
He will lead us in God’s holy way.
To God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
be praise and glory today and for ever. Amen.
Prayers for use after Psalms
For use after Psalm 6:
Our eyes are sore with grief;
Lord, you know we are weary with groaning.
As we remember our death
in the dark emptiness of the night,
have mercy on us and heal us;
forgive us and take away our fear
through the dying and rising of Jesus your Son. Amen.
For use after Psalm 32:
Lord, our hiding place in times of trouble,
you bring our guilt to mind.
Your hand seems heavy;
our tongues dry up
and we openly confess our guilt.
Embrace us with your mercy.
Teach us to trust you,
and bring us at the last
to rejoice in your presence for ever and ever. Amen.
For use after Psalm 38:
Lord, have mercy
on those who go about in mourning all the day long,
who feel numb and crushed
and are filled with the pain of grief,
whose strength has given up
and whose friends and neighbours are distant.
You know all our sighings and longings:
be near to us and teach us to fix our hope on you alone;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For use after Psalm 39:
Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of the living God,
grant that we may ever seek you
and feed on you all our days,
for you are in all and with all and through all, now and for ever. Amen.
For use after Psalm 90:
Teach us, Lord, to number our days;
to see the span of our life in the light of eternity.
Reveal your splendour to us.
Give us the wisdom and grace to know your love
and to rejoice in your forgiveness and life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For use after Psalm 116:
Lord of life,
we walk through eternity in your presence.
Lord of death,
we call to you in grief and sorrow:
you hear us and rescue us.
Watch over us as we mourn the death of your servant,
precious in your sight,
and keep us faithful to our vows to you. Amen.
For use after Psalm 120:
God of mercy,
we are in trouble and we call to you.
Deliver us from lies and deceit and the pain of the enemy’s attack.
And give us peace,
the peace of Christ won upon the cross. Amen.
For use after Psalm 121:
Faithful Lord,
lift us up when we are down.
Watch over us and keep us safe.
Be with us in our going out and in our coming in,
now and for ever. Amen.
For use after Psalm 130:
Lord of mercy and redemption,
rescue us, we pray, from the depths of sin and death;
forgive us what we do wrong,
and give us grace to stand in your presence,
to serve you in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For use after Psalm 138:
Lord,
do not abandon us in our desolation.
Keep us safe in the midst of trouble,
and complete your purpose for us
through your steadfast love and faithfulness,
in Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
For use after Psalm 139:
Lord,
you created and fashioned us,
you know us and search us out,
you abide with us through light and dark:
help us to know your presence in this life and,
in the life to come, still to be with you;
where you are alive and reign,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
XIII. Bible Readings and Psalms for use at Funeral and Memorial Services
The readings and psalms marked with an asterisk * are particularly appropriate at the funeral of a child.
Bible Readings
Ecclesiastes 3. 1-8; A time for everything.
Isaiah 25. 6-9; 26. 3,4; He will swallow up death for ever.
* Isaiah 61. 1-3; Good news for the broken hearted.
Lamentations 3. 22-26, 31-33; The love of the Lord never ends.
Wisdom of Solomon 3. 1-9; No torment will touch them.
* Matthew 5. 1-12a; The Beatitudes.
* Matthew 11. 25-30; I will give you rest.
* Matthew 18. 1-5, 10; The greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
* Mark 10. 13-16; Let the children come to me.
Mark 15. 33-39; 16. 1-7; Christ’s death and resurrection.
Luke 24. 13-16, (17-27), 28-35; The road to Emmaus.
John 5. 24-29; 6. 37-40; Seeing the Son and believing in him.
John 6. 53-58; He who eats this bread will live for ever.
* John 10. 11-16; I am the good Shepherd.
John 11. 21-27; I am the resurrection and the life.
John 14. 1-6, 18, 19; I am the way, the truth and the life.
John 20. 1-9, (10-19); The risen Christ.
Romans 8. 31b-39; Nothing will separate us from God’s love in Christ.
Romans 14. 7-9, (10-13, 16, 17); The Lord of the dead and of the living.
1 Corinthians 15. 3-20; Witness to the risen Christ.
1 Corinthians 15. 20-26, 35-38, (39-41), 42-58; Death, where is your victory?
2 Corinthians 4.16 – 5.9; Incomparable glory.
Philippians 3. 7-11, (12-21); The power of Christ’s resurrection (Citizens of heaven).
2 Timothy 2. 8-13; We shall live with Christ.
* 1 Peter 1. 3-9; A living hope.
* 1 John 3. 1,2; God’s children.
* 1 John 4. 7-18a; God is love.
Revelation 7. 9-17; God will wipe away every tear.
Revelation 20. 11-13; The book of life.
* Revelation 21. 1-7; The new Jerusalem.
Psalms
* Psalm 23.
Psalm 90. 1-6, 10, 12-17.
* Psalm 103. 1-4, 13-18.
* Psalm 121.
Psalm 139. 1-12.
See also the section “Prayers for use after Psalms”.
XIV. Canticles for use at Funeral and Memorial Services
1) A Song of the Redeemer
Proclaim the time of the Lord’s favour, and comfort all who grieve.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, *
because he has anointed me.
He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, *
to announce release from darkness for the prisoners.
To proclaim the time of the Lord’s favour, *
and to comfort all who grieve.
To give them oil of gladness instead of mourners’ tears,*
a garment of splendour for the heavy heart.
They will be called trees of righteousness, *
planted by the Lord for his praise.
For God shall make his righteousness and praise *
blossom before all the nations.
Buildings long in ruins will be rebuilt *
and the desolate cities restored.
And you shall be called the Redeemed of the Lord, *
a city no longer forsaken.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
As it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
2) The Song of Manasseh
Full of compassion and mercy and love is God, the Most High, the Almighty.
O Lord God almighty and God of our forebears,*
you who made heaven and earth in all their glory:
All things tremble with awe at your presence,*
before your great and mighty power.
Immeasurable and unsearchable is your promise of mercy,*
for you are God, Most High.
You are full of compassion and very merciful,*
and you relent at human suffering.
O God, according to your great goodness,*
you have promised repentance and forgiveness to those who have sinned against you.
The sins I have committed against you *
are more in number than the sands of the sea.
I am not worthy to look up and see the heavens, *
because of my many sins and iniquities.
And now my heart bows before you, *
imploring your kindness upon me.
I have sinned, O God, I have sinned, *
and I acknowledge my transgressions.
Unworthy as I am, I know that you will save me, *
according to your great mercy.
For all the host of heaven sings your praise, *
and your glory is for ever and ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
As it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
3) Justorum Animae
God has found the righteous worthy and their hope is full of immortality.
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God *
and no torment will ever touch them.
In the eyes of the foolish, they seem to have died *
but they are at peace.
For though, in the sight of others, they were punished, *
their hope is full of immortality.
Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good,*
because God tested them and found them worthy.
Like gold in a furnace, God tried them *
and, like a sacrificial burnt offering, accepted them.
In the time of their visitation, they will shine forth *
and will run like sparks through the stubble.
They will govern nations and rule over peoples *
and God will reign over them for ever.
Those who have put their trust in them will understand that he is true, *
and the faithful will attend upon him in love;
They are his chosen, *
and grace and mercy will be theirs.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
As it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
4) Nunc Dimittis
Awake may we watch with Christ:
asleep may we rest in peace.
Lord, now you have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised.
For these eyes of mine have seen your salvation *
which you have prepared for all the world to see;
A light to reveal you to the nations *
and to give glory to your people Israel.
Luke 2. 29-32
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
As it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
5) A Song of the Justified
Since we are justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
God reckons as righteous those who believe, *
who believe in him who raised Jesus from the dead.
For Christ was handed over to death for our sins,*
and raised to life for our justification.
Since we are justified by faith, *
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through Christ we have gained access to the grace in which we stand, *
and rejoice in our hope of the glory of God.
We even exult in our sufferings, *
for suffering produces endurance,
And endurance brings hope,*
and our hope is not in vain.
Because God’s love has been poured into our hearts, *
through the Holy Spirit, given to us.
God proves his love for us:*
while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
Since we have been justified by his death, *
how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath.
Therefore, we exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,*
in whom we have now received our reconciliation.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
As it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
6) A Song of God’s Children
The Spirit of the Father,
who raises Christ Jesus from the dead,
gives life to the people of God.
The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus *
has set us free from the law of sin and death.
All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God;*
for we have received the Spirit
that enables us to cry, ‘Abba, Father’.
The Spirit himself bears witness that we are children of God *
and if God’s children, then heirs of God;
If heirs of God, then fellow-heirs with Christ;*
since we suffer with him now,
that we may be glorified with him.
These sufferings that we now endure *
are not worth comparing to the glory that shall be revealed.
For the creation waits with eager longing *
for the revealing of the children of God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
As it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
7) A Song of Faith
God raised Christ from the dead, the Lamb without spot or stain.
Blessed be the God and Father *
of our Lord Jesus Christ!
By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope,*
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading,*
kept in heaven for you.
Who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation, *
ready to be revealed in the last time.
You were ransomed from the futile ways of your ancestors *
not with perishable things like silver or gold
But with the precious blood of Christ *
like that of a lamb without spot or stain.
Through him you have confidence in God,
who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, *
so that your faith and hope are set on God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
As it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen
8) A Song of the Redeemed
Salvation belongs to our God, who will guide us to springs of living water.
Behold, a great multitude *
which no one could number.
From every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues,*
standing before the throne and the Lamb.
They were clothed in white robes and had palms in their hands, *
and they cried with a loud voice, saying,
‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, *
and to the Lamb.’
These are they who have come out of the great tribulation,*
they have washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb;
Therefore they stand before the throne of God, *
whom they serve day and night within the temple.
And the One who sits upon the throne *
will shelter them with his presence.
They shall never again feel hunger or thirst, *
the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the heart of the throne *
will be their Shepherd,
He will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might,*
for ever and ever. Amen.
9) A Song of the Lamb
Let us rejoice and exult and give glory and homage to our God.
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,*
whose judgements are true and just.
Praise our God, all you his servants, *
all who fear him, both small and great.
The Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns:*
let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory.
For the marriage of the Lamb has come *
and his bride has made herself ready.
Blessed are those who are invited *
to the wedding banquet of the Lamb.
To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might,*
for ever and ever. Amen.
10) A Song of St. Anselm
Gather your little ones to you, O God, as a hen gathers her brood to protect them.
Jesus, like a mother you gather your people to you;*
you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.
Often you weep over our sins and our pride, *
tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgement.
You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds, *
in sickness you nurse us, and with pure milk you feed us.
Jesus, by your dying we are born to new life;*
by your anguish and labour we come forth in joy.
Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness;*
through your gentleness we find comfort in fear.
Your warmth gives life to the dead, *
your touch makes sinners righteous.
Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us;*
in your love and tenderness remake us.
In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness,*
for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
As it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
XV. A Selection of suggested Hymns and Anthems for use at Funeral and Memorial Services
Hymns
Hymns marked with an asterisk * are particularly appropriate at the funeral of a child.
Hymns marked with a cross + are metrical versions of psalms and may be used in place of the psalms provided.
- Abide with me; fast falls the eventide. (H.F. Lyte)
- Alleluia, Sing to Jesus. (W. Chatterton Dix)
- * + Be still and know that I am God. (cf. Psalm 46)
- Be still, my soul, the Lord is on your side.
- Brief life is here our portion. (Bernard of Cluny,Tr. J.M. Neale)
- Christ, enthroned in highest heaven. (Tr. R.F. Littledale)
- Faithful vigil ended. (T. Dudley-Smith)
- * For all the saints who from their labours rest. (W. Walsham How)
- * 9 God be in my head. (Horae BVM Sarum)
- Guide me, O thou great Jehovah/Redeemer. (W. Williams)
- He wants not friends that hath thy love. (R. Baxter)
- * How sweet the name of Jesus sounds. (J. Newton)
- I know that my Redeemer lives. (S. Medley)
- Immortal love, for ever full. (J.G.Whittier)
- In heavenly love abiding. (A.L.Waring)
- Jerusalem the golden. (Bernard of Cluny,Tr. J.M. Neale)
- Jesu, lover of my soul. (C.Wesley)
- Jesu, Son of Mary. (Tr. E.S. Palmer)
- Jesus lives, thy terrors now. (C.F. Gellert,Tr. F.E. Cox, etc.)
- * Jesus, remember me (Taize).
- Jesus, stand among us in thy risen power (W. Pennefather).
- Joy and triumph everlasting (Adam of St.Victor,Tr. R. Bridges).
- Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us (J. Edmeston).
- Let saints on earth in concert sing (C.Wesley).
- Lord, it belongs not to my care (R. Baxter).
- * Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy (Jan Struther).
- * Love divine, all loves excelling (C.Wesley).
- Love’s redeeming work is done (C.Wesley).
- Now is eternal life (G.W. Briggs).
- Now thank we all our God (M. Rinkart,Tr. C.Winkworth).
- + O God, our help in ages past (I.Watts).
- O Lamb of God, most holy (M. Forster).
- O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder (S. Hine).
- O love that wilt not let me go (G. Matheson).
- Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? (E.H. Bickersteth).
- * + Praise, my soul, the king of heaven (H.F. Lyte).
- Rock of ages, cleft for me (A.M.Toplady).
- 38. The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended (J. Ellerton).
- * + The King of love my shepherd is (H.W. Baker).
- * + The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want (W. Whittingham).
- The strife is o’er, the battle done (Tr. F. Pott).
- * There is a green hill far away (C.F. Alexander).
- There is a land of pure delight (I.Watts).
- There’s a wideness in God’s mercy (F.W. Faber).
- They whose course on earth is o’er (J.M. Neale).
- * Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son (E.L. Budry,Tr. R.B. Hoyle).
- Welcome happy morning, age to age shall say (Venantius Fortunatus,Tr. J. Ellerton).
- What sweet of life endureth (S. John of Damascus,Tr. A. Riley).
- Within our darkest night (Taize).
Anthems
- Ave, verum corpus. (W.A. Mozart)
- Bring us, O Lord, at our last awakening. (W.H. Harris)
- Christ who doth all his sheep. (C.Wood)
- Come, sweetest death. (J.S. Bach)
- Funeral Ikos. (J.Tavener)
- Give rest, O Christ, to thy servant. (Kiev Melody)
- Give us the wings of faith. (E. Bullock)
- God, be in my head. (J. Rutter)
- God be in my head. (W. Davies)
- God so loved the world. (J. Goss)
- God so loved the world. (J. Stainer)
- Holy is the true light. (W.H. Harris)
- If we believe that Jesus died and rose again. (J. Goss)
- Jesu, hope of men despairing.(J.S. Bach)
- Let us now praise famous men. (R.V. Williams)
- Lord, give me faith. (K. Robson)
- My shepherd is Lord. (H. Oxley)
- My soul, there is a country. (C.H.H. Parry)
- Never weather beaten sail. (C.H.H. Parry)
- Never weather beaten sail. (R. Shephard)
- Never weather beaten sail. (T. Campion)
- O Lord, support us. (M. Besly)
- O Nata Lux. (T.Tallis)
- Pie Iesu. (G. Faure)
- Song for Athene. (J.Tavener)
- So they gave their bodies. (P. Aston)
- Sunset and evening star. (C.H.H. Parry)
- The Lord is my shepherd. (H. Goodall)
- The souls of the righteous. (S. Marchant)
- They shall grow not old. (D. Guest)
- They shall grow not old. (P. Irving)
- Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts. (H. Purcell)
- Thou judge of quick and dead. (S.S. Wesley)
- View me, Lord. (R.H. Lloyd)
- When to the Temple Mary went. (J. Eccard)