Prayers for the deceased
Prayers for the deceased are a powerful way to honor loved ones who have passed away, asking God for mercy on their souls and peace in their eternal rest. The Catholic tradition holds many prayers that can be said, each one offering a sense of comfort and connection to the departed. Here are several traditional prayers for the deceased:
1. The Eternal Rest Prayer
This is one of the most common prayers for the dead, asking for their soul to rest in peace with God:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
2. The Prayer of Commendation
Often said at the time of death or burial, this prayer entrusts the soul to God’s care:
Go forth, Christian soul, from this world
in the name of God, the Almighty Father, who created you,
in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who suffered for you,
in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you.
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.
Amen.
3. Psalm 23
This psalm is often prayed for comfort, both for the soul of the departed and for those grieving:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Even 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 overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen.
4. Prayer for the Faithful Departed
This prayer is said in remembrance of all who have passed away, particularly those awaiting entry into heaven:
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful,
grant to the souls of Thy servants departed
the remission of all their sins,
that through pious supplications
they may obtain the pardon which they have always desired.
Who livest and reignest, world without end.
Amen.
5. Litany for the Souls in Purgatory
This is a traditional Catholic prayer for those believed to be in purgatory, awaiting final purification:
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed.
(Repeat “have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed” after each invocation)
Holy Mary, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
St. Joseph, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
All holy angels and archangels, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.(Continue with various saints)
Amen.
6. The Rosary for the Dead
Praying the rosary, especially with the intention for the deceased, can be a beautiful and powerful way to commend them to God’s mercy. Special emphasis is often placed on the Sorrowful Mysteries, reflecting on Christ’s suffering and sacrifice.
7. Personal Prayer for the Deceased
If you feel led, a personal prayer can be meaningful, speaking from the heart and asking God to show His love and mercy on the soul of the person who has passed away. Here is an example:
Dear Lord, I commend to Your loving care [Name of Deceased].
I ask You to grant them peace, and let Your perpetual light shine upon them.
May they be welcomed into Your kingdom with love and joy,
free from pain and suffering, and resting eternally in Your grace.
Comfort us who mourn, and help us to trust in Your mercy.
We thank You for the gift of their life, and for all the ways they touched our hearts.
Amen.
These prayers bring comfort, trust, and a sense of solidarity with our loved ones, helping us to support their journey into eternal life.
