What is the best prayer for someone passing away? When we’re filled with sadness and pain, saying goodbye to someone we love who is about to leave this world becomes one of the hardest things we go through. It’s like standing at a crossroads where life and death meet, and in that moment, we search for comfort in a simple yet powerful act: prayer.
You feel the weight of sorrow the one passing away carries, and all you can really do is to find the best prayer to bring he or she comfort and peace in their last moments.
In this article, we’ll talk about what is the best prayer for someone passing away and how it can give us strength and bring us closer together when we feel overwhelmed by loss.
What is the Best Prayer for Someone Passing Away?
When someone we love is about to pass away, prayer becomes a comforting and important way to find solace. While there may not be a one-size-fits-all answer to what the “best” prayer is, the essence of prayer lies in its ability to convey love, gratitude, and peace to the departing soul.
In times like these, Psalm 23:4 (New International Version) from the Bible can offer guidance and comfort. It says, “Even when I’m going through the toughest times, I won’t be afraid, because You, God, are with me. Your care and support bring me comfort.”
This verse reminds us that God is with us during difficult moments, giving us strength and comfort. We don’t have to be afraid or overwhelmed by the loss of a loved one, as God’s presence guides us through the darkest times. It’s a powerful prayer for those facing death and those grieving, acknowledging the pain while trusting in God’s care.
In this spirit, you can say these prayers:
10 Best prayers for someone passing away
Here are ten prayers for someone passing away:
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Prayer for the Last Days
Dear Lord, as our loved one approaches the end of their life, we pray for their comfort and freedom from pain. They have faith in Jesus, so help them feel confident that when their body is gone, they will be with You.
Please assist them in taking care of financial and other matters while they can. Let them cherish precious moments with family and friends during this time. Amen.
Bible Verse: Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
“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.”
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Prayer for a Peaceful Death
Giver of peace, I come to You on behalf of our dear one in prayer for someone passing away, asking for a peaceful passing. Comfort their soul and assure them that You will raise them up one day. Take away any fear or pain they may be experiencing. Ease their worries about those they will leave behind.
Let them know that their help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth, and those who trust in You will be with You forever. Amen.
Bible Verse: Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
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Prayer for Comfort
God our Helper, we bring our loved one who is nearing the end to You. Please bring them and their family comfort. Let them know that forgiveness is available through You. May they find solace in Your loving presence and abundant redemption.
May our loved one find peace knowing they are at peace with You, and that their family is at peace with them and each other. Amen.
Bible Verse: Isaiah 66:13 (NIV)
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”
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Prayer for a Loved One with End-stage Cancer
Compassionate Lord, I pray for my dear one who is in the final stages of cancer. Assure them that this is not a loss, for soon they will be with You in Paradise. Help them seek Your help during these difficult days. If there are any amends to be made with someone, may they do so now.
Prepare their heart for eternity with You and enable them to share their faith with others. Amen.
Bible Verse: Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
“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.”
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Prayer for Hope
As a prayer for someone passing away, you could say this:
Dear Father, we ask that You fill our loved one with hope as she faces a challenging prognosis. Remind her that there’s no condemnation for those who believe in Christ.
May she focus on spiritual matters and find hope in knowing that though her body may pass, her spirit will live on due to Jesus’ righteousness on the cross. Help her patiently wait for the hope that lies ahead. Amen.
Bible Verse: Romans 15:13 (NIV)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
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Prayer for Salvation
Merciful One, we earnestly seek the salvation of our loved one who is nearing the end of life. As he confronts mortality, may he turn to You, the Immortal One. Guide us in showing him the truth and witnessing the promise of eternal life through Your name.
May he confess his sins and find forgiveness, believing in Your death and resurrection that open the way to everlasting life with You. Amen.
Bible Verse: Acts 4:12 (NIV)
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
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Prayer for Mercy
God, our Shelter, we pray for our loved one in her final days. Grant her mercy and relief from the pain she endures. Prepare her heart to meet You soon. Remind her that in Christ, mercy triumphs over judgment.
As she awaits eternal life, may she abide in Your love and find comfort in the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Bible Verse: Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
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Prayer for Loss of a Loved One
God of Comfort, we pray for the family and friends of the departed loved one. Embrace them with Your loving arms and ease their pain and sense of loss. Throughout their grieving journey, may they find solace in You, for You are close to the brokenhearted and help those whose spirits are crushed.
In moments of missing their loved one, may they feel Your presence with them. Amen.
Bible Verse: Psalm 147:3 (NIV)
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
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Prayer for Loved One in Hospice Care
Dear God, we come before you for our dear one who is now in hospice care. Please bring comfort to her body and surround her with caring and compassionate caregivers. May her family find solace and cherish the precious moments during these final days.
Help her put her trust in Jesus, who can support her and present her blameless before You with joy. Amen.
Bible Verse: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
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Prayer for Anxiety and Uncertainty of the Bereaved
Loving Lord, we pray for this grieving family who has lost their loved one. Ease their anxiety and uncertainty during this difficult time. Comfort them by knowing that their loved one is now in Your presence.
Please help them with any financial worries and guide them through the tasks that lie ahead in the coming days, weeks, and months. Amen.
Bible Verse: Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
In addition to these prayers, you can also check out this video made by The Catholic Crusade for more prayers.
Nonetheless, we’d be giving you a guide on how to say these prayers in the next section.
How Do You Pray for Someone Who is Passing Away?
Praying for someone who is passing away is a personal and emotional experience, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. When you talk to God, He understands your heart and appreciates your love and care for the person going through this tough time.
You can say this:
God, we’re grateful that you are here with us in this moment. We may not fully understand why things happen, why sickness comes, but we find comfort in knowing that you are by our side through every step of life. Please let [name of the person] know that you are with them right now.
Here are some steps and suggestions on how to pray for them:
- Find a quiet and peaceful space where you can concentrate and talk to God without distractions.
- It’s okay to feel sad or overwhelmed, so acknowledge your emotions and share them with God in your prayer.
- Begin by expressing your love and gratitude for the person who is passing away. Thank God for the time you’ve spent together and the memories you’ve made.
- Ask God to comfort and bring peace to the person during their transition. Pray for His love to surround them and for any pain or fear to be eased.
- Remember to pray for the strength and support of the person’s family and friends who may be struggling with the upcoming loss.
- Understand that God’s plan is beyond our understanding, so surrender to His will and pray for acceptance and peace for the person.
- If it aligns with their beliefs, offer hope and assurance of God’s love and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
- Request a peaceful passing for the person, and ask God to guide them into the next phase of existence.
- If you’re close to the person, pray for strength and grace for yourself as you cope with the emotions and challenges of saying goodbye.
- Finally, end your prayer with the Lord’s Prayer or a personal closing that reflects your beliefs and feelings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prayer of comfort?
A prayer of comfort could go like this: “Lord Jesus, we ask you to bring peace to our mind, body, soul, and spirit. Please heal and remove all the stress, grief, and sorrow from our lives. Guide us through life’s journey and help us find peace with those who may oppose us.”
What do you say when someone passes away?
When someone we know passes away, we can express our condolences like this: “I’m so sorry to hear that (name) has died. You are in my thoughts and prayers. We will all miss (name); she touched so many of our lives. Our love and support will always be here for you.”
Final Thoughts
As previously mentioned, there’s no single best prayer for someone passing away. What truly matters is a heartfelt prayer filled with love, compassion, and faith.
It could be expressing gratitude for the time spent together, asking for comfort and peace for the departing soul, or seeking strength to deal with the loss.
The key is to be sincere and connect with the divine in a way that reflects one’s personal beliefs and faith. This heartfelt and personal prayer brings comfort during the difficult moment of saying goodbye to a loved one.