prayers at the graveside

Aside from the time of mourning the month of November, especially All Saints Day and All Souls Day, is a traditional time for visiting graves, as is the anniversary of death. Some or all of the following prayers may be used when visiting the grave of a family member or friend.

All make the sign of the cross. The leader begins:

Praise be to God our Father, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Blessed be God for ever.

All respond:

Blessed be God for ever.

The following Scripture texts may be read: 2 Cor 5: 1

We know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven.

or Rom 8: 38-39

I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercession, or in one of the litanies or other prayers.

All then join hands for the Lord’s Prayer.

Then the leader prays:

Lord God, whose days are without end and whose mercies beyond counting, keep us mindful that life is short and the hour of death unknown. Let your Spirit guide our days on earth in the ways of holiness and justice, that we may serve you in union with the whole Church, sure in faith, strong in hope, perfected in love. And when our earthly journey is ended, lead us rejoicing into your kingdom, where you live for ever and ever.

℟. Amen.

or:

Lord Jesus Christ, by your own three days in the tomb, you hallowed the graves of all who believe in you and so made the grave a sign of hope that promises resurrection even as it claims our mortal bodies. Grant that our brother/sister, N., may sleep here in peace until you awaken him/her to glory, for you are the resurrection and the life. Then he/she will see you face to face and in your light will see light and know the splendor of God, for you live and reign for ever and ever.

℟. Amen.

℣. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,

℟. And let perpetual light shine upon them.

℣. May they rest in peace.

℟. Amen.

℣. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

℟. Amen.

All make the sign of the cross as the leader concludes:

May the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

℟. Amen.