Prayers after Death

The following prayers may be recited immediately after the person's death and may be repeated in the hours that follow.

Saints of God, come to his (her) aid!

Come to meet him (her), angels of the Lord!

R. Receive his (her) soul and present him (her) to God, the Most High.

May Christ, who called you, take you to himself;
may angels lead you to Abraham's side. R.

Give him (her) eternal rest, O Lord,
and may your light shine on him (her) for ever. R.

Let us pray.

All-powerful and merciful God,
we commend to you N., your servant.

In your mercy and love,
blot out the sins he (she) has committed
through human weakness.
In this world he (she) has died:
let him (her) live with you for ever.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

These verses may also be used:

V. Eternal rest grant unto him (her), O Lord.

R. And let perpetual light shine upon him (her).

V. May he (she) rest in peace.

R. Amen.

V. May his (her) soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

R. Amen.