DEATH, THE DEPARTED, AND THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS

109. FOR WATCHFULNESS | Lancelot Andrewes

Thou, who with thine own mouth hast told us that at midnight the bridegroom shall come: Grant that the cry, “The bridegroom cometh!” may sound evermore in our ears, that so we be never unprepared to meet him, or forgetful of the souls for whom he died, for whom we watch and pray. And save us, O Lord.  Amen.

110. FOR JOY AT THE END OF LIFE | Miles Coverdale 

Lord Jesus, be mindful of your promise. Think of us, your servants, and when we shall depart, speak to our spirits these loving words: “Today you shall be with me in joy.” O Lord Jesus Christ, remember us, your servants who trust in you, when our tongues cannot speak, when the sight of our eyes fails, and when our ears are stopped. Let our spirits always rejoice in you and be joyful about our salvation, which you, through your death, have purchased for us.  Amen.

111. FOR AN ANNIVERSARY OF ONE DEPARTED

Almighty God, we remember this day before you your faithful servant N., and we pray that, having opened to him the gates of larger life, you will receive him more and more into your joyful service, that he may win, with you and your servants everywhere, the eternal victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

112. THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS

O God of the spirits of all flesh, we praise and magnify thy holy Name for all thy servants who have finished their course in thy faith and fear [especially thy servant N.]; and we beseech thee that, encouraged by their examples and strengthened by their fellowship, we also may be found meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

113. THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS

O eternal Lord God, you hold all souls in life: Shed forth upon your whole Church in Paradise and on earth the bright beams of your light and heavenly comfort; and grant that we, following the good example of those who have loved and served you here and are now at rest, may enter with them into the fullness of your unending joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

114. FOR ALL FAITHFUL DEPARTED

Almighty God, with whom the souls of the faithful who have departed this life are in joy and felicity: We praise and magnify your holy Name for all your servants who have finished their course in your faith and fear; and we most humbly pray that, at the day of resurrection, we and all who are members of the mystical body of your Son may be set on his right hand, and hear his most joyful voice: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Grant this, O merciful Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate.  Amen.

115. FOR THE COMING OF GOD’S KINGDOM

Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate.  Amen.