25 Comforting Prayers for the Dying and for Their Families and Loved Ones
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When news comes that a loved one or friend is dying, emotions fill our bodies. The feelings of sadness, despair, and loss may begin entering our thoughts the moment we hear or read the words that someone is dying. Through prayer chains at church, phone calls, in person, or through social media, we learn how situations have changed. Sometimes those changes come rapidly and other times, those changes are over a long period of time.
Prayers for the dying are often requested at critical moments. Our response shows the love we have for God’s creations.
An unexpected accident, a vehicle crash, or some other event may have occurred. A medical diagnosis that has been dealt with for years that has now been given no chance for recovery is another time prayers are needed.
Recently, a dear friend of my husband and mine passed on to be with the Lord. David had dealt with serious medical issues for a period of time. Yet, the news of his passing brought me to my knees.
I am thankful to have known this precious servant of the Lord. I prayed for him while he lived on this earth. I prayed for his wife Barbara and their family while he lived and will continue to pray for them from this day forward.
Prayers can comfort those who are grieving. Prayers for the dying are one way we can draw closer to God.
There may be times when words won’t come. God knows our hearts. If you have trouble praying for the dying, ask God to help you.
Prayers for a Peaceful Death
Father, this precious servant of God is nearing the end of time on this earth. Please be with this person and cover them with Your peace. In the name of Your Son Jesus, Amen.
Heavenly Father, please take away all anxiety from your child. Cover them with the peace and comfort only You can provide. Amen.
Dear God, we don’t know the exact hour when You will call your servant home. Please give this person a sense of Your presence. Relax their breathing and calm their body. Thank You, Amen.
Almighty God, maker of Heaven and earth, death is near for our friend. Cover them with Your hedge of protection and give them peace. Amen.
Lord, thank You for this person whom we love dearly. Thank You for the time we shared. We lift up this loved one and ask for a peaceful death. We are thankful for Your love. Amen.
Divine Mercy Prayers for the Dying
Praying to God when someone is dying is vital to the relationship between the person praying, the dying person, and God. Perhaps a person doesn’t know the Lord. Perhaps they have strayed from their belief in the Holy Father. These are opportunities for us to pray and ask God to help the dying person draw closer to Him. The Divine Mercy Chaplet includes several prayers.
The Lord’s Prayer reminds us of His love and His will. When we pray this prayer, we are asking the Father for His divine mercy. The sign of the cross is made before saying the Divine Prayers of Mercy for the Dying. Also, rosary beads can be held during the prayers.
The Our Father
“This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:9-13 NIV).
The Hail Mary
This prayer is asking Mary to pray for sinners now and at the time of death.
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.
The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Other prayers for the dying can be spoken out loud or whispered in silence. The important part is that we are praying to God.
Prayers for When the Words to Pray Are Hard to Find
Father, my loved one is dying. I don’t know what to pray for. Please help. Amen.
Lord, I can’t find the words. My heart is broken. Death is near for my friend. Help me to speak the right words to my friend. Thank You, Father. Amen.
God, I’m afraid for my loved one. I don’t know how to bring them comfort. Please give me the words to share with them. Amen.
Abba Father, my loved one is suffering a difficult death. Show me how to pray for them. Amen.
Heavenly Father, Your will be done. Amen.
God, thank You for loving us. Remind me that Your love and grace will help me find the right words to share with the dying. Amen.
Prayers for the Families of the Dying
Father, I lift up the families of the dying. Be with them as they begin the grieving process. Remind them of Your love. Thank You, Amen.
God, tears are flowing, and hearts are breaking. Please surround the families of the dying with Your presence and peace. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Heavenly Father, your children are grieving for their loved one. Collect their tears as You have promised. Give them comfort. Amen.
God, help me to know the words to speak to the family of the dying. Allow the words to be a balm to their souls. Amen.
Abba, thank You for the opportunity to pray for the family of the dying. They need You. Hold them in Your loving arms as they journey through grief. In the name of Your Son, Amen.
Prayers for the Friends of the Dying
Father, I pray for the friends of the dying. Help them to remember to go to You when waves of grief rush in. In His Name, Amen.
God, help the friends of the dying to know Your love and forgiveness. Amen.
Heavenly Father, please cover the friends of the dying with Your hedge of protection. Remind them of the good times shared and the special memories created with their friend. Amen.
Lord, help the friends of the dying to go to You in every moment. Amen.
God, guide the friends of the dying to know how to help the family in their grief journey. Thank You for loving us. Amen.
Lord God, bring peace and calm to these friends. They are beginning the grieving journey. Amen.
Best Bible Verses for the Dying
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4 NIV).
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me: your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23: 4 NIV).
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).
The Bible is filled with verses for every moment of life and death. Reading Scripture daily helps us strengthen our faith and relationship with the Lord.
Pray for the dying. Pray for their families and loved ones.
Blessings and prayers,
Melissa Henderson
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/gorodenkoff
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.