Prayers of the Faithful for a Grandparent's Funeral: 7 Sets

Here are seven complete sets of prayers of the faithful for the funeral of a grandparent. Option 2 is written for a grandmother, Option 3 for a grandfather, Options 4 and 6 for both grandparents remembered together, and the others for either. Put the name where you see (Name). After each intention the reader says “Let us pray to the Lord” and all answer “Lord, hear our prayer.”

In the funeral liturgy the community prays for the one who has died and for all the dead, for the family and all who mourn, and for everyone present. Every set below follows that pattern.

How to use these prayers

Choose one set and adapt it; you may swap in an intention from another set.
Keep it short. Four to six intentions are enough; the Church asks that intentions be “sober” and “succinct” (GIRM 71).
Fill in names where you see N. or (Names).
Give the reader a printed copy and agree on the response, usually “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Choose the reader with care. A grandchild often reads. Pick someone who can read steadily on the day, and have another person ready to step in.
Share the reading. Several grandchildren can read one intention each; agree on the order beforehand.
Send the text to the priest or the funeral director a day or two before the funeral, so that it can be checked and printed.

Option 1: For a Grandparent

For the holy Catholic Church, that she may continue to be a source of comfort and hope for all who mourn, and a beacon of light in times of grief, let us pray to the Lord.
For the soul of our beloved grandparent (Name), that God may welcome them into eternal life, and grant them peace and rest in his heavenly kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
For all grandparents who have gone before us, that they may rejoice in the company of the saints and angels, and intercede for their families on earth, let us pray to the Lord.
For those mourning the loss of their grandparents, that they may find solace in their faith, cherished memories, and the loving support of family and friends, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may honor the memories and legacies of our elders, and strive to live by the values of love, wisdom, and faith they instilled in us, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 2: For a Grandmother

For the Church, that she may continue to uphold the dignity of all human life and offer solace to those who grieve, let us pray to the Lord.
For the soul of our beloved grandmother (Name), that God may welcome her into eternal life, and grant her peace and rest in the heavenly kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
For all grandmothers who have nurtured and guided their families with love and devotion, that they may be rewarded for their sacrifices and find eternal joy in the presence of God, let us pray to the Lord.
For those mourning the loss of their grandmothers, that they may find strength in their faith, and the courage to carry on the legacy of love and wisdom they received, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish family, that we may celebrate the lives of our elders, honor their memories, and support one another in times of grief and loss, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 3: For a Grandfather

For the universal Church, that she may continue to be a source of comfort and hope for all who mourn, and a beacon of light in times of grief, let us pray to the Lord.
For the soul of our beloved grandfather (Name), that God may welcome him into eternal life, and grant him peace and rest in the heavenly kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
For all grandfathers who have served as pillars of strength, wisdom, and faith for their families, that they may be rewarded for their sacrifices and find eternal joy in the presence of God, let us pray to the Lord.
For those mourning the loss of their grandfathers, that they may find solace in their faith, cherished memories, and the loving support of family and friends, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may honor the memories and legacies of our elders, and strive to live by the values of love, wisdom, and faith they instilled in us, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 4: For Both Grandparents

For the Church, that she may continue to be a source of comfort and hope for all who mourn, and a beacon of light in times of grief, let us pray to the Lord.
For the souls of our beloved grandparents (Names), that God may welcome them into eternal life, and grant them peace and rest in the heavenly kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
For all grandparents who have gone before us, that they may rejoice in the company of the saints and angels, and intercede for their families on earth, let us pray to the Lord.
For those mourning the loss of their grandparents, that they may find solace in their faith, cherished memories, and the loving support of family and friends, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish family, that we may celebrate the lives of our elders, honor their memories, and support one another in times of grief and loss, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 5: For a Grandparent Who Was a Model of Faith

For the Holy Father, bishops, priests, and all ministers of the Church, that they may continue to offer comfort and guidance to those who grieve, and remind us of the hope of eternal life, let us pray to the Lord.
For the soul of our beloved grandparent (Name), that God may welcome them into eternal life, and grant them peace and rest in the heavenly kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
For all grandparents who have been role models of faith, perseverance, and resilience, that their example may continue to inspire and guide their families, let us pray to the Lord.
For those mourning the loss of their grandparents, that they may find strength in their faith, and the courage to carry on the legacy of love and wisdom they received, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may honor the memories and legacies of our elders, and strive to live by the values of love, wisdom, and faith they instilled in us, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 6: For Grandparents Who Worked and Sacrificed for Their Family

For the Church, that she may continue to be a source of comfort and hope for all who mourn, and a beacon of light in times of grief, let us pray to the Lord.
For the souls of our beloved grandparents (Names), that God may welcome them into eternal life, and grant them peace and rest in the heavenly kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
For all grandparents who have sacrificed and worked tirelessly for the well-being of their families, that they may be rewarded for their selfless love and devotion, let us pray to the Lord.
For those mourning the loss of their grandparents, that they may find solace in their faith, cherished memories, and the loving support of family and friends, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish family, that we may celebrate the lives of our elders, honor their memories, and support one another in times of grief and loss, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 7: For a Grandparent and All Our Elders

For the universal Church, that she may continue to be a source of comfort and hope for all who mourn, and a beacon of light in times of grief, let us pray to the Lord.
For the soul of our beloved grandparent (Name), that God may welcome them into eternal life, and grant them peace and rest in the heavenly kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
For all grandparents who have gone before us, that they may rejoice in the company of the saints and angels, and intercede for their families on earth, let us pray to the Lord.
For those mourning the loss of their grandparents, that they may find strength in their faith, and the courage to carry on the legacy of love and wisdom they received, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may honor the memories and legacies of our elders, and strive to live by the values of love, wisdom, and faith they instilled in us, let us pray to the Lord.

A sample introduction and closing prayer

The priest introduces and concludes the intentions (GIRM 71). These samples were written for this guide; the celebrant may use his own words.

Introduction:

God is not God of the dead but of the living. Trusting in his mercy, let us pray for N., for our family and for all who mourn.

Concluding prayer:

Lord God, giver of life, you gave N. to us as a grandparent and a blessing. Hear our prayers: welcome N. into the joy of your kingdom, and comfort this family with the hope of meeting again. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

Can a grandchild read the prayers of the faithful at the funeral?

Yes. It is one of the most fitting ways for grandchildren to take part. One may read the whole set, or several may read one intention each.

Can young children read?

An older child can read one short intention. Practice at home, print the text in large type, and let an adult stand beside the child at the ambo.

Should every intention mention our grandparent?

No. Name your grandparent in the second intention. The others pray for the Church, for all who have died, for those who mourn and for the community.

What if our grandparent rarely went to church?

The Church prays for all her dead and entrusts them to the mercy of God. Choose a set that speaks simply of mercy and thanksgiving, such as Option 1.

Related prayers

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.
Order of Christian Funerals (1989), General Introduction, on the intercessions.

Prayers of the Faithful for a Grandparent’s Funeral: 7 Sets for a Grandmother or Grandfather