For use by priest, deacon, spiritual care team, or family members.

Introduction

In this moment of sorrow
the Lord is in our midst and comforts us with his word:
Blessed are the sorrowful; they shall be consoled.

Prayer of Commendation for Those Near Death

In the name of the Father, + and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
I commend you, my dear brother/sister,
to Almighty God, and entrust you to your creator.

May you return to him who formed you
from the dust of the earth.
May holy Mary, the angels, and all the saints come
to meet you as you go forth from this life.

May Christ who was crucified for you
bring you freedom and peace.
May Christ who died for you
admit you into his garden of paradise.
May Christ, the true Shepherd,
acknowledge you as one of his flock.
May he forgive all your sins, and set you
among those he has chosen. Amen

Prayers for the Dead

Saints of God come to his/her aid!
Hasten to meet him/her angels of the Lord.
With God there is mercy and fullness of redemption;
let us pray as Jesus taught us:
Our Father . . .

23rd Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of
righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of
my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Let us pray.
Lord Jesus, our Redeemer,
you willingly gave yourself up to death
so that all people might be saved and pass from death
to new life.

Listen to our prayers;
look with love on your people who mourn and pray for
their brother/sister N.

Lord Jesus, holy and compassionate: forgive N his/her sins.
By dying you unlocked the gates of life for those who
believe in you;
do not let our brother/sister be parted from you,
but by your glorious power give him/her light,
joy, and peace in heaven where you live and reign
forever and ever. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him/her.
May he/she rest in peace. Amen.

May almighty God bless us with his peace and strength,
the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Other Prayers that May Be Used

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy.
Hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping
in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate
thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this, our exile
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.

The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to your protection
implored your help, or sought your intercession
was left unaided.
Inspired with this confifidence,
I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in your mercy, hear and answer me.

Prayer for the Bereaved

Dearest Jesus, who wept at the death of your friend
and taught that they who mourn shall be comforted,
grant us the comfort of your presence in our loss
Send your Holy Spirit to direct us
lest we make hasty or foolish decisions.
Send your Spirit to give us courage
lest through fear we recoil from living.
Send your Spirit to bring us your peace
lest bitterness, false guilt, or regret take root in our hearts.
Amen.

*Based on content from www.nhsfife.org, the website of the Fife, Scotland, area of the National Health Service in the United Kingdom.

Saint Margaret of Scotland ( c. 1045-1093) is the beloved patroness of this area and of all of Scotland.