In every celebration for the dead, the Church attaches great importance to the reading of the word of God. The readings proclaim to the assembly the Paschal Mystery, teach remembrance of the dead, convey the hope of being gathered together again in God's kingdom, and encourage the witness of Christian life. Above all, the readings tell of God's designs for a world in which suffering and death will relinquish their hold on all whom God has called his own. A careful selection and use of readings from Scripture for the funeral rites will provide the family with an opportunity to hear God speak to them in their needs, sorrows, fears, and hopes. (From Order of Christian Funerals)
There are many beautiful Bible passages from which to choose. Read a selection of verses below:
VERSION A:
Priest: Brothers and Sisters, Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and sits at the right hand of the father, where He interceded for His Church. Confident that God hears the voice of those who trust in the Lord Jesus, we join our prayers to His:
Reader:
In Baptism, _______ (name of deceased) received the light of Christ. Scatter the darkness now and lead her/him over the waters of death. We pray to the Lord.
Our brother/sister _______ was nourished at the table of the Savior. Welcome her/him into the halls of the heavenly banquet. We pray to the Lord.
Many friends and members of our families have gone before us and await the kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with your Son. We pray to theLord.
Those who trusted in the Lord now sleep in the Lord. Give refreshment, rest and peace to all whose faith is known to you alone. We pray to the Lord.
The family and friends of ______ seek comfort and consolation. Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that comes from grief. We pray to the Lord.
We are assembled here in faith and confidence to pray for our sister/brother _______. Strengthen our hope so that we may live in the expectation of your Son's coming. We pray to the Lord.
Priest:
Lord God, giver of peace and healer of souls, hear the prayers of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and the voices of your people, whose lives were purchased by the blood of the Lamb. Forgive the sins of all who sleep in Christ and grant them a place in the Kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
View or print Version A for male deceased | View or print Version A for female deceased
VERSION B:
Priest: God the Almighty Father raised Christ, his Son, from the dead. With confidence we ask Him to save all His people, living and dead. The response to the petitions is: Lord hear our prayer.
Reader:
For _____________ (name of deceased), who in Baptism was given the pledge of eternal life that she/he may now be admitted to the company of saints. We pray to the Lord.
For our sister/brother who ate the body of Christ, the bread of life, that she/he may be raised up on the last day. We pray to the Lord.
For our deceased relatives and friends and all who have helped us, that they may have the reward of their goodness. We pray to the Lord.
For the family and friends of our sister/brother ________________, that they may be consoled in their grief by the Lord, who shared our human tears. We pray to the Lord.
For all os us assembled here to worship in faith, that we may be gathered together again in God's kingdom. We pray to the Lord.
Priest: God, our shelter and our strength, you listen in love to the cry of your people. Hear now the prayers we offer for our departed sister/brother. Cleanse her/him or her/his sins and grant her/him the fullness of redemption. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
View or print Version B for male deceased | View or print Version B for female deceased