Prayer for a Departed Soul

This prayer comes from the traditional prayers for a deceased father or mother, which begin by recalling God's commandment to honor our parents. It asks God to have pity on the soul of the one who has died and expresses the Christian hope of seeing them again in the joy of eternal brightness. Although it was written for parents, you can offer it for any loved one by inserting his or her name.

Praying for the dead is a work of mercy the Church has practiced from the beginning; Scripture praises Judas Maccabeus because he made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin (2 Maccabees 12:46). Pray this prayer on the anniversary of a death, at a graveside, after Mass, and especially in November, the month dedicated to the holy souls. It ends with Eternal Rest, the Church's classic prayer for the faithful departed.

The Prayer

O God, Who hast commanded us to honor our father and mother, have pity on the soul of Thy servant (N.), and grant that I may see him/her again in the joy of eternal brightness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him/her. May he/she rest in peace. Amen.

Traditional prayer for a departed soul; classic manuals, public domain.

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