At a Catholic funeral, the Prayers of the Faithful ask God to receive the person who has died, comfort those who mourn and care for the needs of the Church and the world. They are also called general intercessions, bidding prayers or the Universal Prayer. Below are eleven alternative sets to help a family prepare with its parish.
Choose one set, replace [Name] with the person’s name, and give it to the priest or funeral coordinator before the liturgy. These are suggested intercessions for adaptation; your parish may provide texts from the Order of Christian Funerals. At a funeral Mass, the priest leads the opening invitation and concluding prayer.
1. General funeral intercessions
Response after each petition: Lord, hear our prayer.
- For [Name], that God may forgive every sin, bring healing to all that was broken, and welcome our loved one into the joy of his presence. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who have died, especially those who have no one to remember them in prayer, that they may find rest in the mercy of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the family and friends of [Name], that God may sustain them through this loss and surround them with faithful, patient love. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church, that we may care tenderly for the dying, accompany the bereaved and bear witness to the hope of the Resurrection. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For people suffering through war, poverty or loneliness, that they may receive protection, companionship and the help they need. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For everyone gathered here, that the remembrance of [Name] may deepen our gratitude for life and our willingness to love one another. Let us pray to the Lord.
2. Short funeral intercessions
Use this shorter set when the parish asks for brief intentions. Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
- For [Name], that Christ may receive our loved one into his peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For everyone grieving today, that God may give comfort and strength. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church and all who serve the sick and dying, that their care may bring hope. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who suffer, that they may find kindness, justice and relief. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who have died and for all of us who remember them, that God’s mercy may unite us in everlasting life. Let us pray to the Lord.
3. For the funeral of a mother
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
- For [Name], our mother, that the God who knows her whole life may receive her with mercy and grant her eternal rest. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For her children and everyone who knew her care, that gratitude for the love they received may remain beside them in their grief. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For families carrying painful memories or unfinished conversations, that God’s tenderness may open a way toward forgiveness and peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For mothers who are sick, isolated or anxious for their children, that they may receive practical help and loving support. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church and this community, that we may welcome those who feel alone and remember the bereaved after this day has passed. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all our departed loved ones, that they may share in the life Christ promises. Let us pray to the Lord.
4. For the funeral of a father
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
- For [Name], our father, that God may receive him in mercy, forgive his failings and bring him into everlasting peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For his children and family, that the memories they cherish may bring comfort, and that they may find strength for the days ahead. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For families struggling with separation, regret or conflict, that God’s grace may help them seek reconciliation and care for one another. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For fathers facing illness, unemployment or loneliness, that they may find encouragement and the support they need. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church and all entrusted with responsibility for others, that they may serve with humility and compassion. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who have died, that Christ may gather them into his kingdom. Let us pray to the Lord.
5. For a grandmother, grandfather or older relative
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
- For [Name], that God may receive our loved one into the peace for which we pray. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For each generation of this family, that the good entrusted to us may continue in acts of patience, generosity and faith. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For children meeting the mystery of death, that trusted adults may listen to their questions and help them feel secure and loved. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For older people who live alone or feel forgotten, that our communities may recognize their dignity and make time for their company. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For carers, parish visitors and all who supported [Name], that God may bless their kindness and give rest to those who are weary. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For our relatives and friends who have died, that the Lord may welcome them into everlasting life. Let us pray to the Lord.
6. For the funeral of a husband or wife
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
- For [Name], that Christ may receive our beloved husband or wife with mercy and bring our loved one into his lasting peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For [Spouse’s name], that God may be close in the unfamiliar silence of loss and send companions who will remain through the months ahead. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For their children, relatives and friends, that they may support one another with gentleness and make room for each person’s grief. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all widows and widowers, especially those facing financial hardship or loneliness, that they may find friendship and practical assistance. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For married couples and families in our parish, that they may cherish one another and respond generously to those who need their care. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who have died, that God may grant them rest and bring us together in the fullness of his kingdom. Let us pray to the Lord.
7. After a sudden or unexpected death
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
- For [Name], whose death has come with such sorrow, that God may receive our loved one in mercy and grant eternal peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the family and friends living with shock, unanswered questions or words left unsaid, that they may receive compassion without pressure to hide their pain. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For everyone affected by this death, and for those whose earlier grief has been stirred again, that no one may be left to carry sorrow alone. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For emergency workers, medical staff and all who offered help, that they may find strength, support and peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish, that we may be slow to judge, faithful in prayer and generous in caring for this family. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who have died, that Christ, who has passed through death, may bring them into life. Let us pray to the Lord.
8. After a long illness
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
- For [Name], that God may receive our loved one into rest after the burdens of illness and grant the fullness of his peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the family, that amid grief and exhaustion they may find time to rest and people willing to help. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For doctors, nurses, hospice workers and carers who accompanied [Name], that God may bless their service and renew their strength. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For people living with serious illness, and for those who keep watch beside them, that they may receive good care and the comfort of loving company. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church, that its ministry to the sick and dying may make the tenderness of Christ present in every home and place of care. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all our departed relatives and friends, that God may bring them into everlasting joy. Let us pray to the Lord.
9. At the funeral of a child
Prepare these intentions closely with the priest, who will choose the appropriate funeral rites. Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
- For [Name], whom we entrust to the loving care of God, that the Lord may hold this beloved child in his peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For [Name]’s parents, that God may be near in every moment of grief and surround them with people who will listen and stay. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For brothers, sisters, grandparents and all who love [Name], that their sorrow may be met with tenderness and their questions with patience. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For other families mourning a child, that they may find compassionate support and never feel forgotten. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church and all gathered here, that we may accompany this family through prayer, quiet presence and practical care. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For everyone facing suffering that words cannot explain, that the love of Christ may sustain them one day at a time. Let us pray to the Lord.
10. For a parishioner or community member
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
- For [Name], that the Lord may receive our brother or sister into the company of the saints and grant eternal rest. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the family and close friends of [Name], that they may find comfort in God’s love and the continuing support of this community. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish and all who shared in [Name]’s life, that our gratitude may take shape in faithful service to others. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For those who lead the Church and those who govern our communities, that they may protect the vulnerable and work for peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the sick, the housebound and all who cannot be with us today, that they may know they belong to this community of prayer. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all our departed parishioners, benefactors and friends, that they may rejoice in the presence of God. Let us pray to the Lord.
11. For a memorial or anniversary Mass
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
- For [Name], whom we remember with love, that God may grant eternal rest and the joy of his presence. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the family and friends who continue to grieve, that the passing of time may bring support without diminishing the love they carry. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For those approaching an anniversary, birthday or other difficult day after a death, that they may find companionship and a place to speak their loved one’s name. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church, that its prayer for the dead may strengthen our hope and inspire us to care for those still suffering. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all in need of mercy, peace or reconciliation, that they may receive the grace to begin again. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who have gone before us and for all who pray for them, that we may be united in Christ’s everlasting life. Let us pray to the Lord.
Preparing and reading the intercessions
The Church’s funeral prayer commends the deceased to God’s mercy and supports those who mourn. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, nos. 69–71, describes brief petitions offered by the whole assembly; it also allows the intentions at a funeral to reflect that particular occasion. The priest begins and concludes the prayer. A deacon, reader or another member of the faithful may announce the intentions.
- Choose a manageable set. Ask your parish how many intentions it normally uses. Five or six can work well; there is no need to read all eleven sets.
- Keep names clear. Write the name as the reader should say it and remove unused alternatives before printing.
- Use one response throughout. These examples use “Let us pray to the Lord” and “Lord, hear our prayer.” Follow the parish’s chosen response if it differs.
- Read as prayer. Pause briefly after each intention so the congregation can respond. See our reader’s guide for practical preparation.
- Save a clean copy. Copy the chosen set into your document, or use your browser’s Print menu and select Save as PDF. Check the names and response before giving it to the reader.
How many bidding prayers are read at a Catholic funeral?
There is no fixed number. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (no. 70) gives the usual order of intentions (the Church, public authorities and the whole world, people in any kind of difficulty, the local community) and allows the intentions at a funeral to focus more closely on the occasion. Most parishes use four to six short petitions, for example:
- for the person who has died;
- for the family and friends who mourn;
- for all the faithful departed;
- for the sick, the dying and those who care for them;
- for the community gathered for the funeral.
The priest’s opening invitation and concluding prayer are not counted among the petitions. Each set on this page has five or six intentions; you can shorten a set if your parish prefers fewer. Ask the priest or funeral coordinator what they normally use.
Can we write our own funeral bidding prayers?
Yes, prepare suggestions with the priest or funeral coordinator. Ask for what the deceased, mourners and wider community need. A brief petition is easier for the whole congregation to pray than a long account of someone’s life.
Should the prayers say that our loved one is already in heaven?
We express hope in the Resurrection while asking God to receive the deceased in mercy. Wording such as “that God may welcome [Name] into eternal life” gives that hope the form of a prayer.
Are these the same as a Mass intention?
They serve different purposes. These are petitions announced during the liturgy. A Mass intention is the person or intention for whom the priest offers the Mass. See Mass intentions for the dead for how to request one.
Can we use them at a funeral outside Mass?
Bring them to the minister leading the funeral. The parish will follow the appropriate rite and help you adapt the intentions.
Printable PDF
Related prayers and sources
- Catholic prayers for the dead, for prayer at home, a wake or an anniversary.
- The Eternal Rest prayer, in English and Latin.
- Prayers of the Faithful for a grandparent’s funeral, for more relationship-specific sets.
- Prayers of the Faithful for a first death anniversary, for a later memorial Mass.
- How to write Prayers of the Faithful.
- USCCB: Universal Prayer, GIRM 69–71.
- USCCB: An Overview of Catholic Funeral Rites.
The intercessions on this page are suggested wording prepared for BiddingPrayers.com. They are not presented as a reproduction of the official ritual book.