Hope in illness, death, and grief
Prayers for the Sick, Dying, and Departed
Pastoral prayers for times of sickness, the approach of death, remembrance of the departed, and consolation in mourning.
When Someone Is Seriously Ill
These prayers accompany the Church’s sacramental care. When possible, contact a priest promptly for Anointing of the Sick, Confession, and Viaticum rather than waiting until the final moments.
Prayer During Sickness
Lord Jesus Christ, I receive this sickness from Your loving providence.
Grant me patience in pain, courage in fear, and trust in Your mercy.
Unite my suffering to Your Cross for the good of the Church and the world.
Bless those who care for me and guide those who seek my healing.
If it is Your will, restore my health;
above all, preserve me in Your grace and lead me to eternal life. Amen.
Prayer for a Sick Person
God of mercy, look with compassion upon your servant N.
Ease pain, calm fear, and give wisdom and endurance to every caregiver.
Restore health if it serves Your will, and in every circumstance
let N. know the nearness of Christ and the prayer of the Church. Amen.
For Someone Approaching Death
Go forth, Christian soul, from this world
in the name of God the almighty Father who created you,
in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who suffered for you,
and in the name of the Holy Spirit who was poured out upon you.
May holy Mary, the angels, and all the saints come to meet you.
May your home be in peace and your dwelling with God in Zion,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for a Happy DeathOpenClose
Most merciful Jesus, by Your agony and death,
prepare me now for the hour when You will call me.
Grant that I may receive the sacraments with faith,
forgive and be forgiven, and surrender every attachment into Your hands.
When sight grows dim and strength fails, be my light and strength.
May Your holy name be my final hope;
may Mary and Joseph assist me;
and may I pass from this life in the peace of Your friendship. Amen.
Prayer for a Departed Soul
O God, whose nature is always to have mercy and to spare,
look with compassion on the soul of Your servant N.,
whom You have called from this world.
Do not deliver this soul into the hands of the enemy,
but command the holy angels to receive and carry N. into paradise,
that, having hoped and believed in You,
N. may possess the joys of everlasting life. Amen.
For Deceased Family and Friends
O God, giver of pardon and lover of human salvation,
we ask Your mercy for our family, friends, and benefactors who have died.
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints,
bring them to the fellowship of eternal blessedness. Amen.
Eternal Rest
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Prayer for Those Who Mourn
Father of mercies and God of all consolation,
draw near to those who mourn.
Hold them when grief is heavy, sustain them through loneliness,
and surround them with patient and practical love.
Keep alive the hope of the Resurrection,
when every tear will be wiped away
and all who die in Christ will be gathered into Your peace. Amen.