According to the ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS, Prayers of Intercession for the dead should pray for the following intentions: For the deceased and all the dead, for the family and all who mourn, and for all in the assembly. The following prayers follow this perfect outline, and yours should to if you plan on personally writing prayers of the faithful for the dead.
I hope this saves you some time. I did this many so there can be something that perfectly resonates with you. I should also let you know that these prayers of the faithful were crafted following the instructions of the ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS, and the General Instructions of the Roman Missal. Check out how we write our prayers of the Faithful here!
Also reach out to me if you want personalized Prayers of the Faithful for your Special Mass.
Note that you can convert this into a pdf with the click of a single button!
OPTION #1:
- Assisting minister: For N., who in baptism was given the pledge of eternal life, that he/she may now be admitted to the company of the saints. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For N., who was nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ, that he/she may be ushered into the heavenly banquet hall. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For all our loved ones who have gone before us in faith, that they may dwell forever in the light of God’s presence. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For those who lost their lives to violence, oppression or injustice, that they may find eternal rest in the embrace of the Prince of Peace. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For all the faithful departed whose memory is known to God alone, that they may experience the fullness of redemption. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For the family and friends of N., that the Lord may wipe away their tears and fill their hearts with consolation. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
OPTION #2:
- Assisting minister: For N., who was given new life through baptism, that he/she may now share in the fullness of eternal life with the saints in heaven. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For our brother/sister N., who was nourished at the table of the Lord, that he/she may be welcomed into the eternal banquet of heaven. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For our deceased relatives and friends, that they may find peace and joy in the presence of God. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For those who have died by violence, war, or famine, that they may be gathered into God’s eternal kingdom of peace and justice. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For all who have gone before us in faith, that they may rest in the peace of Christ. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For the family and friends of N., that they may be comforted in their grief and find hope in the resurrection. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
OPTION #3:
- Assisting minister: For N., reborn in baptism, that he/she may now be born into eternal life. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For our beloved N., nourished by the Bread of Angels, that he/she may join the banquet feast of heaven. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For our family members and friends who sleep in Christ, that they may awaken to the splendor of his light. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For all who died without hope, that they may receive God’s merciful forgiveness. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For the faithful departed we knew and loved, that God may enfold them in eternal peace. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For those who grieve the loss of N., that God’s consoling grace may uphold them in their sorrow. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
OPTION #4:
- Assisting minister: For N., initiated into the paschal mystery, may he/she now share in Christ’s triumph over death. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For our brother/sister who received the food of immortality, the Holy Eucharist, may he/she be seated at the eternal banquet. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For our loved ones who preceded us in death, may they have an everlasting dwelling place with Christ the Lord. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For victims of violence, hatred and injustice, may the God of endless mercy embrace them in his kingdom of peace. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For all the faithful departed whose lives are known to God alone, may they find rest and refreshment in paradise. We pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: The family and friends of N. seek comfort and consolation. Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that come from grief. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
OPTION #5:
- Assisting minister: That the bishops and priests of the Church, and all who preach the Gospel, may be given the strength to express in action the word they proclaim. We pray to the Lord: R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: That those in public office may promote justice and peace. We pray to the Lord: R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: That those who bear the cross of pain in mind or body may never feel forsaken by God. We pray to the Lord: R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: That God may deliver the soul of his servant N. from punishment and from the powers of darkness. We pray to the Lord: R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: That God in his mercy may blot out all his/her offenses. We pray to the Lord: R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: That God may call him/her to happiness in the company of all the saints. We pray to the Lord: R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: That God may welcome into his glory those of our family and friends who have departed this life. We pray to the Lord: R. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: That God may give a place in the kingdom of heaven to all the faithful departed. We pray to the Lord: R. Lord, hear our prayer.
OPTION #6:
- Assisting minister: For N., who in baptism received the light of Christ, that he/she may now share in the fullness of eternal life. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For our brother/sister N., who ate the bread of life, that he/she may be raised on the last day. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For all who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, that they may find happiness in God’s kingdom. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For those who have died by violence, war, and famine, that they may be gathered into the eternal kingdom of peace. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For all who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again, that they may see God face to face. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For the family and friends of N., that they may be comforted in their grief. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
- Assisting minister: For all of us gathered here in worship, that we may be reunited in God’s kingdom. Lord, in your mercy: R. Hear our prayer.
OPTION #7:
- Lector: For greater unity among all Christians, that we may be one as Christ and the Father are one. We pray to the Lord. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For our deceased brother/sister [Name], that they may be welcomed into the light of Christ’s presence and find peace in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For all who cared for [Name] during their illness, that they may be consoled in their grief and strengthened in their charity by the Lord who weeps with those who weep. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For all gathered here to worship in faith, that we may be gathered together again in God’s kingdom. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For all our deceased relatives and friends, and for all who have helped us, that they may have the reward of their goodness. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
OPTION #8:
- Lector: For all apostolic movements within the Church, that their efforts may bear an abundance of spiritual fruits. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For [Name], who in baptism was given the pledge of eternal life, that they may now be admitted to the company of the saints. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For the family and friends of [Name], that they may be consoled in their grief by the Lord, who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For all of us assembled here to worship in faith, that we may be inspired to live our lives in a manner worthy of the gospel and the promise of resurrection. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For all the faithful departed, especially the members of our families, that they may be forgiven their sins and enjoy forever the bliss of God’s kingdom. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
OPTION #9:
- Lector: For the Church’s missionaries serving throughout the world, that their sacrifices may bring many souls to Christ. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For our brother/sister [Name], that they may sleep peacefully in Christ and rise with him on the last day. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For all who mourn the passing of [Name], that their tears may be wiped away and their sorrow turned into joy that no one can take from them. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For the sick, the suffering, and the lonely, that they may be comforted by our community’s support and the promise of eternal life. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For all who have died in the hope of rising again, especially those we have loved, that they may see God face to face in the light of paradise. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
OPTION #10:
- Lector: For the grace of final perseverance for all members of the Church, that we may remain steadfast until the end. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For [Name], whose departure from this world leaves behind a void in the hearts of those who knew them, that they may find rest in the eternal banquet of heaven. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For the family and close friends of [Name], who face this time with heavy hearts, that they may be embraced by God’s love and find solace in His unfailing presence. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For those who care for the sick and dying, particularly those who attended to [Name] in their final days, that their service may be blessed with peace and hope. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For all who have departed this life in the faith of Christ, especially the relatives and friends of [Name], that they may be welcomed into the light of God’s face. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
OPTION #11:
- Lector: For the defense and preservation of the Church’s sacred doctrine against error and distortion. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For our beloved [Name], who journeyed through life as a beacon of kindness and strength, that they may now enjoy the reward of their faithfulness in the tranquility of paradise. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For all gathered here in sorrow at the loss of [Name], that we may find comfort in our memories and in the assurance that [Name] now rests in the peace of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For all who are burdened by grief, that the promise of eternal life may lighten their sorrow and instill peace in their hearts. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
- Lector: For the souls of the faithfully departed, may they be purified of sin and enter into the everlasting joy of heaven, together with all the angels and saints. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Sources
- General Instructions of the Roman Missal
- ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS