Prayers of the Faithful

Note: Given here are sample Prayers of the Faithful you may wish to use as they are or to use as a
template to compose your own. Feel free to use as many or as few as you wish. The priest will
introduce and conclude the prayers of intercession.

The first prayer is always for the deceased; the last always for other deceased members of your
family and the parish community.

The People’s Response to each intercession is:

Lord, graciously hear us.

Priest’s Introduction to the Prayers of the Faithful:

For those who live a sincere and good life, the hour of death is transformed into an
hour of glory, because Christ gives them the crown of eternal life. Let us pray in our
hour of loss.
or

Christ is the Good Shepherd who gives his life to save those he loves. In our loss, let
us turn to him and with confidence make our needs known to him.

or

We are made in the image and likeness of God. As trusting people we pray to our
merciful God.
or

God our Father has given us victory over sin and death through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Let us turn to him in our hour of need, and pray to him with confidence.

Reader(s)

Prayers for the Deceased

 In baptism, N. was given the pledge of eternal life. May he/she now be
admitted to the company of the saints. Lord, hear us.

 We pray for the gift of eternal life: That N. will be received into the
Lord’s loving embrace. Lord, hear us.

 For N.: that Christ may have mercy of his/her soul, and grant him/her
full pardon for his/her sins. Lord, hear us.
 For N. who during his/her life received in faith the Body of Christ at the
banquet of the altar. May he/she be raised up on the last day. Lord, hear
us.

 N. fought the good fight; he/she finished the race; he/she kept the faith;
may he/she now receive from Christ the crown of eternal glory which He
won for us with His death and resurrection. Lord, hear us.

 That the hardships and sufferings N. endured in this life may gain for
him/her full remission of all his/her sins. Lord, hear us.

 We pray for N. that God will reward him/her with peace and joy for the
good he/she did during his/her life. Lord, hear us.

 N. has finally reached the shore of eternity; now that all his/her earthly
tasks are completed, my he/she enjoy rest from all his/her labours. Lord,
hear us.

Prayers for family, carers, community

 For N.’s family, that in these difficult and dark days they may be
sustained by their faith, and by the knowledge that they will be reunited
with N. one day in God’s heavenly Kingdom. Lord, hear us.

 That God may visit N.’s family and friends with comfort and peace
especially his/her neighbours and those who cared for him/her. Lord,
hear us.

 That those who grieve over the loss of N., that they all may be comforted
by the knowledge that the Lord will take care of him/her. Lord, hear us.

 For those who grieve over his/her death; that through their faith in Christ
their sorrow may soon be changed into joy. Lord, hear us.

 We pray for N.’s family and friends who shared a long life with him/her
and looked after him/her. That God may now strengthen them, through
their love for each other and their faith. Lord, hear us.

 We pray for all nurses and carers, particularly the nurses and carers who
were so good to N. in the last months of his/her life. Lord, hear us.
 For all those who cared for N. that the Lord may reward them for their
kindness and patience. Lord, hear us.

 For all who knew and loved N.: that they may draw inspiration from
his/her life. Lord, hear us.

 For all here present: that our remembrance of N. may be a source of

comfort and strength to us. Lord, hear us.

 N.’s family and friends seek comfort and consolation. Lord, heal their
pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that come from grief. Lord, hear
us.

Prayers of General Intercession

 The gift of life, which we all share, is very precious. Lord, make us
more aware of the gifts and talents you have given us, particularly those
that we so often take for granted. May we use them to make the world a
better place. Lord, hear us.

 For all of us gathered here: that we may remember at all times, but
especially at times of trouble and anxiety, that we are loved by God and
that he will take care of us. Lord, hear us.

 For all who are sick. May the Lord fill them with courage and give them
strength. Lord, hear us.

 We pray for all gathered here today: that we may keep our minds and
hearts on the kingdom that lasts forever. Lord, hear us.

 For those who are without faith: that Christ may open their ears and
hearts to receive the Good News of salvation. Lord, hear us.

Prayers for deceased members of our family and of the parish

community (if there are family members you wish to name specifically today,
please feel free to do so)

 For our deceased relatives and friends: that God may bring them into the
light of his presence, and give them a share in his glory. Lord, hear us.
 For all the faithful departed: that they may see God face to face in the
kingdom of heaven. Lord, hear us.

 For all the faithful departed, especially our relatives and friends and
members of this community; that they may dwell in the house of the
Lord forever. Lord, hear us.

 Many friends and members of our families have gone before us and
await the Kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with your Son.
Lord, hear us.

Priest’s Conclusion to the Prayers of the Faithful:

Father, into your hands we commend the soul of our brother/sister N.. Look gently
upon him/her and bring him/her home to your kingdom where death will be no more.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
or

Eternal God, as Saint Augustine taught us, you have made us for yourself alone, and
our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Secure in this knowledge, we ask you to
grant these prayers, through Jesus who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.
or

Lord, give us the certainty that beyond death there is a life where broken things are
mended and lost things are found; where there is rest for the weary and joy for the
sad; where all that we have loved and willed of good exists, and where we will meet
again our loved ones. We ask this through Christ who is Lord forever and ever. Amen
or

Lord, may you support us all day long, till the shadows lengthen and evening falls and
the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over, and our work is done; then in
your mercy, Lord, grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest and peace at the last. We ask
this through Christ our Lord. Amen.