Losing a family member or friend is difficult, and finding the right words to pray can bring peace of mind and comfort. In times of grief, prayers for the soul to rest in peace helps us entrust our loved ones into the loving arms of our heavenly Father. Whether facing an unexpected death or mourning a faithful servant of God, prayer reminds us of God’s presence and the promise of eternal life. Turning to God’s Word strengthens our faith as we seek eternal peace for the departed soul. These following prayers reflect on the mercy of God and on the eternal rest promised in Scripture. As we walk through the darkest valley, may Christ bring inner peace and hope to our heavy hearts.
In times of loss, having sample prayers can serve as a helpful guide when words fail us. Whether spoken aloud in a sympathy card or whispered in solitude, these following prayers ask the Almighty to grant eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon our loved ones. In moments of sorrow, the Father invites us to find solace in him. Through these prayers, we acknowledge that death is not the end but a transition to the heavenly kingdom, where the former things will pass away and we will live anew. As we seek the peace of God, may we trust in his love, knowing that our loved ones now rest in the green pastures of his peace.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
St. Gertrude’s Prayer
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners every where, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.
Prayer of Commendation – A prayer for as death approaches
Go forth, Christian soul, from this world
in the name of God the almighty Father,
who created you,
in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,
who suffered for you,
in the name of the Holy Spirit,
who was poured out upon you,
go forth, faithful Christian.
May you live in peace this day,
may your home be with God in Zion,
with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God,
with Joseph, and all the Angels and Saints.
A Prayer for a Loved One Who Has Passed
Lord, in this time of grief, we turn to you, our source of strength. Eternal God, we lift up the soul of our loved one into your loving care, trusting that they now rest in your arms. As we go through this difficult time, we take comfort in your promise of a better place, where the old order of things has passed away.
God, we ask that you grant eternal rest to your servant and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they be welcomed into your heavenly kingdom, where they will experience the fullness of peace. Give us a sense of peace in this trying time, and help us trust not in our own understanding, but in your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
A Prayer to Ease a Dying Person’s Suffering
Dear God,
In this time of sorrow, we lift up this beloved soul into your loving care. Lord, you are the source of strength and the giver of peace. As your faithful servant walks through this final journey, grant them the eternal joy promised in your word. May your love be a light upon their path, easing all pain and anxiety.
We ask that you embrace this person in your tender mercy. May they feel the presence of the Redeemer and know the comfort of your promise of a new earth. As they leave us, let their soul rest in your arms, knowing that they have fought the good fight. Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and may they dwell forever in the sight of the Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for One Who Is Dying
Dear Father,
We place this beloved soul into your merciful hands. Through the Son of God, may they find peace beyond all understanding. As they reach the end of their life, let their good deeds shine as a testimony of faith. May they receive their divine comfort, nourished by Your presence.
Redeemer of souls, welcome your faithful servant into the promise of eternity. As they journey beyond our world and enter the mystery of your kingdom, let them rest in everlasting light. May your grace be with the poor souls who have gone before, and may this soul find eternal rest. Come, Lord, and embrace them in your love.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
A Prayer for at a Funeral
In this time of sorrow, we come before You with heavy hearts, seeking your comfort and strength. O Lord, we entrust the soul of your faithful servant into your loving hands. May your presence bring peace to those who mourn, and may you be their source of strength.
Lord, as we reflect on the life and deeds of our beloved departed, we are reminded of the words in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, calling us to trust in your divine mercy. Let your light shine upon this soul and grant them a place in your kingdom of rest and peace. May those gathered here find hope, knowing that the death of his faithful servants is precious in your sight. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
A Prayer for at a Grave
Dear Lord,
In this place of rest, we stand before the grave of our beloved, seeking your peace and comfort. O Redeemer, let your face shine upon this departed soul and welcome them into your eternal embrace. In times of trouble, you remain our refuge, our strength, and our hope.
Lord God, as we remember this cherished one, we lift our prayers for those who mourn—especially the little children who grieve without full understanding. Guide us to honor their memory not only with words but through our actions, living with faith, kindness, and love. May this resting place be a reminder of the promise of resurrection and the hope of eternal joy in your presence. Amen.
A Prayer for a Soul to Rest in Peace
O Lord, in this difficult time, we come before you with heavy hearts, mourning the loss of a departed soul. Heavenly Father, You are the God of all comfort, and in this time of grief, we seek your loving arms to uphold us. We ask that you grant eternal rest to our loved one, welcoming them into the heavenly kingdom where the perpetual light shines forever. May they find peace of mind and eternal joy in your presence. Almighty God, we trust in the promise of eternal life, knowing that you are near to those who walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
Lord, may you lead them to the green pastures of the new earth, where the old order of things has passed away. As we reflect on their life we pray for our own hearts to be filled with your peace and guided by your righteous right hand. May this soul find fullness of peace, and may your mercy be upon them. Let those who grieve have hope, as we rest in the truth of God’s word and the name of Jesus Christ, in whom all are made new. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
In times of sorrow, as we grieve the loss of a family member or dear friend, we turn to the God of all comfort for strength. The love of God offers peace of mind, reassuring us that the departed soul now rests in his loving arms. Through God we find eternal peace, knowing that Jesus has prepared a place for us all in his father’s kingdom. As we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we cling to the promise of eternal life, trusting that the perpetual light shines upon our loved ones.
During this difficult time, let us hold onto faith, remembering that the death of his faithful servants is precious in the sight of the Lord. As we pray for their souls rest, may the Eternal God uphold us. May Christ guide our hearts, bringing a sense of peace in this time of grief, and lead us to the new earth when our time comes.