PRAYER WHEN VISITING A GRAVE
The following may be used when visiting the grave of a family member or friend. The month of November, especially on "All Saints Day" and "All Souls Day," is the traditional time for visiting graves, as is the anniversary of death. Assign one as leader when praying as a family / group.
All make the sign of the cross.
The leader begins:
Praise be to God our Father, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Blessed be God forever.
All respond: Blessed be God forever.
The following Scripture text may be read:
We know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal to heaven. [2 Corinthians 5:1]
I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, not present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 8:38-39]
After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercession.
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Jesus promised to be with those who call upon his name.
Trusting in his promise we say: R. Be with us, Lord.
Sure and certain hope of your faithful dead: R. Be with us, Lord.
Faithful friend in times of sorrow and doubt: R. Be with us, Lord.
Voice that speaks peace to troubled hearts: R. Be with us, Lord.
Beacon of light in moments of darkness: R. Be with us, Lord.
Merciful Redeemer and fountain of forgiveness: R. Be with us, Lord.
Enduring strength of all who mourn: R. Be with us, Lord.
Gentle rest for your pilgrim people: R. Be with us, Lord.
Let us pray as Jesus taught us: Our Father... (Sprinkle grave with Holy Water)
Leader:
Lord God,
whose days are without end
and whose mercies beyond counting,
keep us mindful
that life is short and the hour of death unknown.
Let your Spirit guide our days on earth
in the ways of holiness and justice,
that we may serve you
in union with the whole Church,
sure in faith, strong in hope, perfected in love.
And when our earthly journey is ended,
lead us rejoicing into your kingdom,
where you live for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R. and let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
May the love of God and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ
bless and console us
and gently wipe every tear from our eyes:
in the name of the Father,
and the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.