Above drawing: Woman Praying at a Deathbed, 1864, by Swiss artist Benjamin Vautier (1829-1898)
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The day will come for each of us when we will need these prayers.
FOR THE DYING:
O my heavenly Father, God of all comfort, I thank you for revealing to me your dear Son, Jesus Christ, in whom I have believed, to whom I have confessed, and whom I have loved and praised. I pray, my Lord Jesus Christ, now take my soul into your hands. I know that although I will leave this body and be taken from this life, I will live with you forever, and that no one or nothing can take me out of your hands. “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. Amen.
— Martin Luther (1483-1546)
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O blessed Jesus, you suffered greatly in your last hour when you bowed your head and said, “It is finished.” Jesus, remember me, and have mercy on me in my last hour, and bring me to your eternal home. Amen.
–Sarum Primer (1538)
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Lord Jesus Christ, come now and hear my prayer. Your cross and empty tomb have turned these last, dark, silent moments of my life, into a time of light, hope, and everlasting joy. Remember me, O Lord, and forgive me once more. Remember me, O Lord, and receive me as you have promised. It will very soon be time to leave all those who are dear to me, and that is my greatest sorrow. They have been Your gifts to me, Lord, and I thank you for them. Be with them now as I must leave them. In the midst of death, Lord, assure them that we live together in You. Remind them, Lord, to give praise and thanksgiving for the Father’s tender and loving mercy. I pray, Lord, that You remember me, and them, and that they all remember You, now and unto their end. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
–Blended and adapted from several sources
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Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will
give you rest.” Lord, I am on my way. Grant me your peace and receive me into your arms. Amen.
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FOR THOSE WITH THE DYING:
Almighty, eternal and most merciful God, in death you summon us and take us out of this sinful and corrupt world to yourself, so that we may not perish or continue in sin, but pass through death unto life eternal. Help us to know and believe this with our whole heart, so that we may rejoice in our departure; and, at your call, cheerfully enter your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord. Amen.
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O Jesus, our Savior and Friend, you called the weary and the heavy laden to come unto you for rest. Let _______ now depart in peace, according to your Word, for he has believed in and hoped for your salvation. Lead him forth into the green pastures and beside the still waters of your love. Take now his hand, O Lord, and may he come before you without fear, knowing in whom he has believed. Into your hands, heavenly Father, we commend his Spirit. Amen.
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Heavenly Father, we have prayed many prayers over the years for healing for _____, and you have answered them, and for that we give you thanks. But now, O Lord, we no longer pray for healing in this life, but for an end to this earthly life. We pray for that final, complete, and perfect healing of the resurrection, which you have promised to ______ and to all who believe in your Son Jesus. Have pity on _____ as he draws nigh unto the gates of death. Send Jesus to meet him on the way. Amen, Come Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.
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O Almighty and Merciful God, you have promised to be with us in the valley of the shadow of death. We are in that valley now, Lord. Be with us, and especially with _____. Have pity upon him. Graciously forgive all his sins, by the sacrifice of the innocent death of Jesus Christ your dear Son, our Lord and Savior. Deliver him from his bodily pain and distress. Shorten his suffering. Sustain him against the accusations of conscience and against all attacks of the evil one, that he may remain faithful unto the end and finish the good fight of faith. Grant him a blessed departure unto life everlasting. Amen.
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By rising from the dead, Jesus Christ conquered death and leads us to eternal life. Watch over ___ and give him a vision of that home with you, where pain is gone and death shall be no more. Help him now to trust in your goodness and claim your promise of life everlasting. Cleanse him from all sin and remove all burdens. Grant him the sure joy of your salvation. And now, we pray that you send your holy angels, that they may escort him to the gathering of all your children in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
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John 10:27-28 — (Jesus said), “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will take them out of my hand.”
Psalm 23:4 — Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Luke 2:29-30 — Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.
Revelation 22:20 — He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
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