Prayer Vigil Service for the Deceased Good Afternoon/Evening! We are from (Name of Parish) Bereavement Ministry and have come to pray with you and for you and for (N). We begin: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. May the God of hope give you the fullness of peace, and may the Lord of life be always with you. Blessed be God forever. Blessed be God forever. OPENING SONG Amazing Grace New Britain Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind but now I see Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed! Page 1 of 5
The Liturgy of the Word Scripture Reading Psalm 23 Remember me in your kingdom, Lord Remember me in your kingdom, Lord I The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; Beside restful waters he leads me; He refreshes my soul. Remember me in your kingdom, Lord II He guides me in right paths for his name s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side. With your rod and your staff that give me courage. Remember me in your kingdom, Lord I You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Remember me in your kingdom, Lord II Only goodness and kindness follow me All the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. Remember me in your kingdom, Lord Page 2 of 5
Scripture Reading Sharing of the Life of the Deceased Whenever we gather as a family we remember our loved ones and we tell our stories. So too, when we gather as our (Parish Name) family, we remember and we tell our stories. Please share with us now some of your memories or stories of (N). and how he/she touched your lives. Thank you so much for sharing your memories and love for (N). with us. Tonight we commend (N). to the Lord, who did not lose him/her in giving him/her to us. Let us pray that God will increase our faith and hope in the power of his love over death. Prayers of Intercession Please respond: Lord, have mercy. Reader: 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. We pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Reader: For our brother/sister who are the body of Christ, the bread of life, that he/she may be raised up on the last day. We pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Reader: For our deceased relatives and friends and for all who have helped us, that they may have the reward of their goodness. We pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Reader: For those who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again, that they may see God face to face. We pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Reader: For the family and friends of our brother/sister (N.), that they may be consoled in their grief by the Lord, who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. We pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Reader: For all of us assembled here to worship in faith, that we may be gathered together again in God s kingdom. We pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Page 3 of 5
With God there is mercy and fullness of redemption; Let us pray as Jesus taught us: Our Father The Lord s Prayer Our Father who art in heaven Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth As it is in heaven. Give us this day Our daily bread And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who Trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation But deliver us from evil. Concluding Prayer and Blessing Lord God, you are attentive to the voice of our pleading. Let us find in your Son comfort in our sadness, certainty in our doubt, and courage to live through this hour. Make our faith strong through Christ our Lord. May the love of God and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ bless and console you and gently wipe every tear from our eyes: in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him/her. Page 4 of 5
May his/her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. CLOSING SONG Amazing Grace New Britain Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come Tis grace has brought me safe thus far And grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures. When we ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We ve no less days to sings God s praise Than when we d first begun! (Used with permission Christ the King Parish) Page 5 of 5