Funeral services offer a time for communal grieving and remembrance, and prayers of the faithful provide a powerful way to express our sorrow, hope, and trust in God during this difficult time.
These prayers, also known as intercessions, lift up the needs of the deceased, their family, and the wider community, seeking comfort, strength, and eternal rest.
This collection of 30 prayers offers diverse petitions for a funeral liturgy, each grounded in scripture to provide solace and guidance as we commend our loved ones to God’s loving care.
30 Prayers of the Faithful for Funeral
1. John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Let us pray for the family and friends of our dear brother/sister in Christ who has departed from this life.
May the peace that Jesus promised, a peace that transcends all understanding, envelop them during this time of profound sorrow.
May they find comfort in the knowledge that their loved one is now resting in the arms of our Savior, free from pain and suffering.
Grant them the strength to lean on each other and to find solace in the shared memories and love they hold dear. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
We pray for those who are grieving, that they may find hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Remind them that death is not the end, but a transition to eternal life with Him.
May this blessed hope sustain them through their tears and heartache, and may they find comfort in the promise of being reunited with their loved ones in God’s heavenly kingdom.
We lift up all those who mourn, especially the immediate family, that they may feel the presence of the Holy Spirit comforting them and guiding them through this valley of sorrow.
3. Psalm 23:4
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.
Lord, we acknowledge the pain of loss and the fear that death can bring. We pray for courage for those who are left behind, that they may not be overwhelmed by grief, but instead find comfort in Your constant presence.
Walk with them through this dark valley, and remind them that You are their Shepherd, guiding them and protecting them. May they feel the warmth of Your love surrounding them, and may they trust in Your unwavering care.
4. Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
We pray for understanding, Lord, that even in this time of sorrow, we may trust in Your divine plan.
Help us to see that even in loss, you are working for our good, bringing about a purpose that we may not yet fully comprehend.
Grant us the wisdom to accept Your will, and may our faith be strengthened through this experience. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who turned sorrow into joy.
5. Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Lord, we long for the day when there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more death. We pray for the coming of Your kingdom, where all suffering will cease and eternal joy will reign.
Until then, comfort those who weep, and give them a glimpse of the glorious future that awaits those who believe in You. May this hope sustain them and give them strength to face each new day.
6. 1 Corinthians 15:52
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
We pray for the strength to believe in the resurrection of the body and the promise of eternal life.
May this belief bring comfort and hope to those who are grieving, knowing that their loved ones will rise again to be with Christ forever. May this blessed assurance fill their hearts with peace and dispel their fears.
7. Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We ask for the peace of God to descend upon this family and all who mourn. May this peace, which is beyond our comprehension, protect their hearts and minds from despair and anxiety.
May it be a constant source of comfort and strength during this difficult time.
8. Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Lord, we remember Your words of comfort for those who mourn. We pray that those who are grieving the loss of their loved one may experience the comfort that only You can provide.
May they feel Your loving presence surrounding them and may they find solace in Your promises.
9. Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
We pray for healing for the brokenhearted. Lord, we know that grief can leave deep wounds, but we also know that You are the Great Physician, capable of healing all our hurts.
We ask that You bind up their wounds and restore their spirits.
10. John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Lord, we believe in Your promise of resurrection and life everlasting. We pray that this belief will be a source of strength and comfort for those who mourn.
May they find hope in the knowledge that their loved one, who believed in You, now lives eternally with You.
11. Romans 14:8
For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.
We pray in thanksgiving for the life of our brother/sister. We thank you for the time we had with them, for their love, their laughter, and their presence in our lives.
We acknowledge that they belonged to you, Lord and now they have returned to you.
12. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
We ask for the comfort that only God can give, that they may find strength in their sorrow and be able to support one another in their grief.
May they experience the love and compassion of Christ through the care and support of family and friends.
13. Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Lord, we acknowledge that even in death, your saints are precious to You. We pray that this knowledge will bring comfort to those who grieve, knowing that their loved one is now in Your loving care.
14. 1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your anxieties on him, for he cares for you.
We pray that those who are burdened with grief may cast their anxieties upon You, Lord, knowing that You care for them.
May they find relief from their worries and find peace in Your loving embrace.
15. Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
We remember the steadfast love of the Lord, which never ceases. We pray that those who are grieving may be reminded of Your constant love and faithfulness, even in this time of sorrow.
May they find comfort in Your unwavering presence.
16. Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
We pray for strength and courage for those who are grieving. May they not be afraid, for the Lord their God is with them. May they find comfort in the knowledge that He will never leave them nor forsake them.
17. Isaiah 40:11
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them close to his heart and gently lead those that are with young.
We pray that those who are grieving may feel the tender care of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. May He gather them in His arms and carry them close to His heart, comforting them and gently leading them through their sorrow.
18. Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
We pray that those who are grieving may find light and salvation in the Lord. May they not be afraid, for the Lord is their stronghold. May they find refuge in His love and protection.
19. Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Lord, we pray for those who are weary and heavy laden with grief. May they come to you and find rest for their souls. May they experience the peace that only you can provide.
20. Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
We pray that those who are grieving may find the Lord to be their rock, their fortress, and their deliverer. May He be their refuge and their stronghold in this time of sorrow, a shield against despair and the horn of their salvation.
21. Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
We pray that those who are fearful and dismayed by their loss may find comfort in the Lord’s promise to be with them always. May they be strengthened, helped, and upheld by His righteous right hand.
23. Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
We pray that those who are struggling to understand this loss may find hope in the Lord’s promise of a future. May they trust in His plans, even when they cannot see the way, and find comfort in the hope He offers.
24. Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
We ask that the God of hope fill those who are grieving with joy and peace as they believe. May they abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit, even in the midst of their sorrow.
25. 1 Corinthians 13:8
Love never ends.
We remember the love shared with the departed. We pray that those who are grieving may be comforted by the enduring power of love.
May they cherish the memories of love shared and find strength in the love that surrounds them.
26. Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
We pray that the peace of Christ may rule in the hearts of those who grieve. May they find a sense of unity and comfort in their shared loss, and may they be filled with thankfulness for the time they had with their loved one.
27. Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
We pray for the gift of faith for those who struggle with grief. May they find the confidence to hope and the assurance of things unseen, trusting in God’s promises even in the face of loss.
28. Jude 1:24-25
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
We pray for God’s sustaining grace for those who are grieving. May He keep them from stumbling and bring them to His glorious presence with great joy. To Him be all glory and power forevermore.
29. Philippians 1:3
I thank my God every time I remember you.
We give thanks for the life of the departed. May those who grieve find comfort in remembering the good times and the positive impact their loved one had on their lives.
30. John 16:22
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
We pray for those experiencing sorrow, that they may look forward to the day when they will be reunited with their loved ones and their joy will be complete.
Conclusion
As we conclude this time of remembrance and prayer, we carry with us the love and memories of our dear brother/sister.
May the words of scripture we have shared bring comfort and hope in the face of grief. Amen