Prayer for the Dying to Comfort Those Near Death
A Prayer for Those Who Are Near Departure
This prayer is for your loved ones who are about to depart.
Prayer of Commendation for Those Near Death
In the name of the Father, + and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
I commend you, my dear brother/sister, to Almighty God, and entrust you to your Creator.
May you return to Him who formed you from the dust of the earth.
May holy Mary, the angels, and all the saints come to meet you as you go forth from this life.
May Christ, who was crucified for you, bring you freedom and peace.
May Christ, who died for you, admit you into His garden of paradise.
May Christ, the true Shepherd, acknowledge you as one of His flock.
May He forgive all your sins and set you among those He has chosen.
Amen.
Prayers for the Dead
Saints of God, come to his/her aid!
Hasten to meet him/her, angels of the Lord.
With God, there is mercy and fullness of redemption; let us pray as Jesus taught us:
Our Father…
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Let Us Pray
Lord Jesus, our Redeemer, You willingly gave Yourself up to death so that all people might be saved and pass from death to new life.
Listen to our prayers, look with love on Your people who mourn and pray for their brother/sister N.
Lord Jesus, holy and compassionate, forgive N. his/her sins.
By dying, You unlocked the gates of life for those who believe in You: do not let our brother/sister be parted from You,
but by Your glorious power, give him/her light, joy, and peace in heaven where You live and reign forever and ever.
Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him/her.
May he/she rest in peace.
Amen.
May Almighty God bless us with His peace and strength, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Additional Prayers for the Dying
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Hail, Holy Queen
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.
Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Amen.
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known
that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help,
or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,
but in your mercy, hear and answer me.
Amen.
Prayer for the Bereaved
Dearest Jesus, who wept at the death of Your friend
and taught that those who mourn shall be comforted,
grant us the comfort of Your presence in our loss.
Send Your Holy Spirit to direct us,
lest we make hasty or foolish decisions.
Send Your Spirit to give us courage,
lest through fear, we recoil from living.
Send Your Spirit to bring us Your peace,
lest bitterness, false guilt, or regret take root in our hearts.
Amen.
Bible Verses for Those Nearing Departure
For Comfort and Peace:
- John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
- Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
For Strength and Encouragement:
- Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
For Hope Beyond This Life:
- 2 Corinthians 5:8 – “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
- John 11:25-26 – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’“
May you find strength in the love that surrounds you, knowing that even in moments of uncertainty, you are never alone. Trust in God’s promise to guide, protect, and bring peace to your heart as you face what lies ahead. Courage comes not from knowing what tomorrow holds, but from trusting in His presence with you today.