40th day prayer for the faithful departed: This prayer is said after the 40th day following the death of a person: Oh God, whose mercies cannot be numbered. As You have promised mercy to all who trust in You through Christ your Son our Lord, so now I pray for all faithful departed; that if they did not enjoy Your mercy here, they may receive it hereafter. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Read more on 40th day prayer for the dead catholic and 40 days after death prayer christianity guide. The 40th day prayer is a beautiful tradition that has been carried throughout the ages. It can be used to pray for someone who has died, or for yourself, or for anyone else who you feel needs prayer.
When you pray this prayer, you are asking God to give the faithful departed rest in peace and a place of light and joy in heaven. The 40th day prayer is an adaptation of Psalm 23:5-6: “I lift up my eyes to you, O Lord; you will heal me.” This psalm is often called “The Shepherd’s Psalm” because it refers to the shepherd watching over his flock. It’s a comforting psalm that reminds us that even if we feel lost in our lives, God will always be there to help us through it all. This prayer can be said at any time during the day or night; however, it is especially encouraged to say it on the 40th day after someone has passed away so that they know they are remembered and loved by those who are left behind on Earth.
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40th Day Prayer For The Faithful Departed
Pius X: May he (she) obtain the remission of all his (her) sins that he (she) may have committed during his (her) lifetime.
For the faithful departed: Pius X:
May he (she) obtain the remission of all his (her) sins that he (she) may have committed during his (her) lifetime. Amen!
Protect him (her), Lord, from every evil; let your face shine on him (her), and preserve him for everlasting life. Amen!
40th Day Prayer For The Dead Catholic
Benedict XV: May Jesus, the Son of God, remember his (her) soul.
Jesus is the Son of God, who has redeemed the world. He will remember the soul of the faithful departed and will have mercy on them. Jesus lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
Jesus is also known as Jesus Christ or Our Lord and Savior. He was born to Mary, a virgin who conceived without having intercourse with any man (supernatural conception), and Joseph, a carpenter from Nazareth who was not Jesus’ biological father but raised him as his own son after God’s birth announcement to Mary: “The angel Gabriel appeared to her [Mary] saying: ‘Rejoice most highly favored one…’ (Lk 1:28).”
Jesus did not have any siblings while he was growing up because Joseph didn’t believe in multiple wives so they only had him; however when he got older he did have 12 disciples that followed him around during his ministry before his crucifixion on Good Friday which happened near Jerusalem sometime between 30-33 AD (Gregorian calendar).
Pius XI: May he (she) enjoy the glory of heaven with Mary Immaculate and Joseph.
O God, we pray that the souls of all faithful departed may through your mercy rest in peace. We beseech you to grant them eternal rest and to give us comfort in our sorrow for their departure. Amen.
Amen
Leo XIII: May this day be to him (her) a day of light and peace.
This short prayer can be used to remember a deceased person, or as part of a larger service. It’s also the perfect one to share with friends and family members who want to pray for someone who has died but don’t know how to get started.
It is based off an older Latin prayer which was popular in France during the 13th century: “May this day be to him/her a day of light and peace.” It was expanded upon by Pope Leo XIII (1810 – 1903) and became known as “40th Day Prayers”. The prayers are meant to be said on each of the 40 days following a death, often during private services at home or church where there will be only close family present; some people choose instead to say them privately throughout their grief process instead of waiting for all 40 days before speaking about their loved one again.
Pius XII: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ constantly dwell in him (her). Amen.
To paraphrase St. Paul: “If Christ be preached as risen, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” In other words, if we believe in Christ’s power over death, then why do we not expect to see signs of life after death?
The faithful departed prayer is a request for your loved ones who have passed on to receive the gift of eternal life and joy in heaven with Him. It asks that they may know His presence and rejoice in His grace forever.
In order to pray for these souls more effectively, it’s important for us firstly to understand what happens when someone dies and secondly why it is so important for us to pray for them.
40th Day Prayer for the Faithful Departed
40th Day Prayer for the Faithful Departed
O Almighty God, who in the Resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ didst vouchsafe to give life to man’s nature and to make it glorious with immortality: We beseech thee that we may be admitted into that heavenly country where no evil thing is nor sadness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Father, look upon your servant(s) [name(s)] who has departed from us; raise him/her up at last with all those whom you have chosen before time was created. Through Christ our Lord…
40th Day Prayer for The Dead Catholic
Our Lord Jesus Christ, forty days after his Resurrection, ascended into heaven with triumph and great glory, in the sight of his most holy mother and all his disciples.
Prayer Intentions
- For run-aways, throw-aways and children who live on the street
- For all who have lost faith
- Our Father…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cries of those who mourn the dead…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, with a mother’s care look gently on parents who bury their children…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, cradle the lives of those addicted or imprisoned…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, intercede for those who seek to live the Gospel of Life…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, remember those who have left home…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, look with love on young mothers who are afraid…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, hear the prayers of those who seek to make our country just…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, stand by those who fear their growing old…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, lead the children who are lost home to those who love them…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, embrace the orphan and the widow with your love..
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit…
List of Items Needed:
In the Catholic tradition, the 40th day after death is a significant time of prayer and remembrance for the deceased. It is believed that on the 40th day, the soul of the departed one finally leaves the earth and enters into the afterlife. This occasion is marked by a special prayer service conducted by family members and loved ones.
To properly conduct the 40th day prayer for the dead in the Catholic faith, a number of items are typically needed. Here is a list of the items required:
Tthe 40th day prayer for the dead in the Catholic tradition is a solemn and meaningful occasion for remembering and honoring the departed. By gathering together and offering prayers and remembrances, the faithful seek to assist the soul of the deceased on its journey to eternal life.
40 Days After Death Prayer Christianity
Dear God,
We pray for the faithful departed.
We pray for those who are still suffering from the pain of losing a loved one.
We pray for those who have been wounded by a death and are struggling to heal.
We pray for those whose hearts are filled with anger towards the deceased.
We pray for those who are afraid of death because they do not know what lies beyond it.
We pray for all who have lost someone dear to them and are struggling with their grief.
God, we ask that you bring comfort and peace to those who grieve, that you give strength to those who mourn, and that you give hope to those who despair. Amen
What’s the Significance of 40 Days After Death?
In many traditions around the world, the memorial of a loved one doesn’t end after the funeral. While the memorial service is the last chance to say goodbye to the deceased in many cultures and religions, some believe the mourning process lasts for 40 days.
(If the meaning of the 40-day mark after a death is just one of your post-loss questions, our post-loss checklist can help you navigate the rest.)
There is a belief that the soul continues to wander the Earth for another 40 days after the initial death. While wandering, the soul visits significant places from their life as well as their fresh grave.
At the end of the 40 days, the soul finally departs from this world. Many families choose to host another celebration on this 40th-day mark. In this guide, we’ll explore the significance of the 40 days after death.
Tip: If you’re attending a 40 day after death celebration for a loved one, make sure you bring a culturally-appropriate gift or card. Most times, a meat and cheese snack tray or a dried fruit and nut basket will do the trick but check with the family before you purchase your gift.
History of 40 Days After Death
If you’re not from a tradition that practices the 40th-day memorial after death, you might wonder where it came from. The answer lies in the Bible. In the Bible, the number 40 is of great significance. The Flood lasts 40 days and 40 nights. Moses was on Mt. Sinai for 40 days. Jesus fasted for 40 days after his Baptism. and so on.
Those from Eastern Orthodox traditions use this framework for their own memorials. In Russian funerals, this 40 number also relates to pagan traditions. The 40 days is an opportunity for judgment before God.
It’s believed in Eastern Orthodox religions that the soul completes many obstacles known as the aerial toll houses. The soul passes through the aerial realm, which is home to evil spirits. These spirits attempt to drag the soul into hell, and the soul needs to find the strength to stay with God. This is a judgment of the soul’s sins. At the end of the 40 days, the soul finds its place in the afterlife.
Modern Traditions and Practices in Each Religion
Like most funeral practices, no two cultures have the same beliefs. Let’s take a closer look at modern traditions and practices for each religion.
Roman Catholic
The Roman Catholic doctrine rejects the 40th-day belief, despite this belief being so widespread in other sects of Catholicism. According to Roman Catholic beliefs, judgment occurs at the time of death. The soul will either travel directly to Heaven, Purgatory, or Hell. There are no toll houses or evil spirits.
In Roman Catholic tradition, the soul does not wander the Earth for any period of time. That being said, Catholicism mixed with local cultures and customs around the world to create the 40th-day tradition that is still in practice today.
Filipino Catholicism
In Filipino Catholicism, the 9th and 40th days are significant after the death of a loved one. For 9 days after the death, the family recites prayers. In Filipino tradition, the name for this is “pasiyam” which means “that which is done for 9 days.”
Where did these beliefs come from, especially considering how many Catholics don’t believe in the 40th-day tradition? Because the Spanish colonized the Philippines, there was a lot of mixing of beliefs and traditions. Today, most Filipino families follow Catholic funeral traditions.
According to ancient beliefs, the deceased’s soul stays on Earth for up to 9 days after the death. During this time, the family gathers for prayers and a celebratory meal in honor of the deceased. On the 40th day, a rosary is said. This is a way to protect the soul of the departed as they finalize their place in the afterlife. All of these traditions are a way to help with mourning the loss of a loved one and you’ll see them displayed at some Filipino funerals.
Russian-Orthodox
The Russian-Orthodox tradition has strict beliefs around the days following a death. It is important for memorial prayers to be said on the 1st, 3rd, 9th, and 40th days after the death of a loved one. It’s also tradition to host a memorial on every anniversary of the family member’s death. Why are these numbers significant for Russians in particular?
- 1st day – After the death of a loved one, the family says special prayers to ensure their loved one’s soul has safe travels from the body. The soul spends the first three days traveling to places of significance, such as relative’s homes.
- 3rd day – On the 3rd day after death, the soul passes through the toll-houses.
- 9th day – The soul completed the toll-house journey. Now, it wanders between both Heaven and Hell. It doesn’t know where it belongs just yet.
- 40th day – On the 40th day, the soul finds its final place in Heaven or Hell.
In the Russian funeral tradition, families gather on these days to say prayers and enjoy a meal. Families enjoy a delicacy known as kolyva. This is a dish made of fruit and wheat. It’s often decorated with sweets and other local favorites.
Because many Russian traditions have their basis in folk traditions, other unique practices go along with the 40th day tradition. First, candles are placed in the koylva, then blessed before meals. Next, the family leaves a towel and a cup of water by the window. This is because the deceased’s soul visits the home during the 40 days, and this gives them a space to rest. At the end of the mourning period, the family shakes the towel into the cemetery to release the soul from the home.
Finally, the family places bread and a glass of water in front of religious icons to help ancestors remember the deceased. The family replenishes this bread and water over the full 40 days. After this period of mourning is over, the family no longer visits the loved one’s grave. Though these traditions might sound unusual, they’re a way of bringing the family peace and comfort in a time of need.
Greek-Orthodox
Greek-Orthodox memorial services are similar to other Orthodox sects. The mourning process is strict in this tradition. The family will avoid social gatherings for at least 40 days after the passing of a loved one. During this time, the family wears all black. Close male relatives don’t shave for 40 days.
Throughout the mourning period, friends and family will bring flowers to the grave. The gravesite is cleaned and kept in perfect condition. Again, this is a way to show respect as the soul transitions to the afterlife.
There is a memorial service hosted close to the 40th day after death. This will be hosted on a Sunday, likely during mass. Many families in the Greek-Orthodox traditional also hold a “Trisagion Service.” This is a brief service performed by a priest specifically for a person who died. The family goes with the priest to perform this ceremony at the gravesite.
Many modern Greek-Orthodox individuals believe the soul lingers on Earth until the 40th day. Others simply believe it’s important to pay respects to the dead on these historic days. Either way, this tradition is a way to bring families and congregations together.
Islam
Believe it or not, Catholicism isn’t the only religion that practices the 40 day mourning period after death. In Islam, it’s traditional to have a 40 day long mourning period as well. This period could be shorter or longer, depending on the relationship to the deceased. For example, widows observe a longer mourning period of up to four months and ten days
Like in Catholic traditions, the Islamic funeral focuses on the separation of the soul from the body. Again, the soul is tested after death. There are some differing beliefs in how the soul is treated after death, but most believe there is some form of judgment. The righteous achieve peace and comfort in the afterlife while sinners face punishment. Life is merely a test in preparation for God.
In Islam, the soul is not believed to stick around in the Earthly realm. Judgment or trials are immediate after death. However, families typically mourn the death for up to 40 days. They do a number of things to reflect on their belief in God. Common practices are:
- Reading from the Qur’an
- Private meditation
- Reciting prayers
- Joining together with family and friends
- Quiet reflections of grief
Like other traditions, Muslims use this time of mourning to reflect on life and grow closer with those they love.
Paying Respects for 40 Days
It’s interesting to compare the post-funeral traditions across the globe. There are striking similarities in how people from a variety of cultures pay respects to those they love. Mourning is a time to come together, reflect, and focus on the importance of life. In many traditions, the 40 days after the death of a loved one are vital. The souls of loved ones are currently undergoing the biggest transition from Earthly life to the afterlife.
Families and friends use their customs and practices to aid the deceased during this transition. While these practices above all help the soul of the deceased, they also help the family find its own peace. Finding peace in the passing of loved ones is a part of life.
What Did Jesus Do for 40 Days after the Resurrection?
One of the most significant periods of the church calendar, and least celebrated or noted, is the 40 days after Jesus rose from the dead. He walked and talked in places where His ministry had been; He was seen in His restored body by thousands; He healed many; He continued to preach, He continued to love. And then He ascended to Heaven, taken up in the sky, which also was witnessed by others.
We really should think more about these 40 days, and the significance of the Ascension. Jesus’ birth had been according to Scripture. His miracles had shown His power. His preaching had taught the world wisdom. His persecution and death had fulfilled prophecies. That He conquered death was an astonishing miracle. But His ascension to Heaven – His bodily rise to be with the Father at the Throne, the mystery of rejoining the Godhead – more than any detail of these other manifestations, confirms the Divinity of Jesus Christ.
Forty days Jesus showed the world that He lived again. The Sanhedrin had called Jesus a blasphemer, and others claimed His miracles were of the devil… but His 40 days in Jerusalem and surrounding areas, being seen by multitudes, was scarcely disputed. The contemporary Jewish historian Josephus referred to it, as did other writers. Two generations later, the writer Eusebius interviewed many people who had known people who saw Jesus during these days, told of miracles, even cited sermons and letters of the risen Jesus.
In other words, some people might not have joined the Christ-followers – although believers multiplied rapidly, even in the face of persecution soon thereafter – but very few people disputed that He rose from the dead. The number 40 appears 146 times in the Bible, a number of God’s significance. We think of Noah, of the years in the wilderness, of the days Moses was on the Mount, of Jonah and Nineveh, and, in Jesus’ case, the number of days He was tempted of the devil… and the number of days between the Resurrection and the Ascension.
Usually this number signifies testing, trials, probation, or a provision of prosperity. We must believe the last comes closest to the risen Lord’s season before He ascended. They certainly were active days. The last verse of the last gospel’s last book (John 21:25) tells us, “Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.”
Yet as busy as He must have been, I have a picture in my mind of Jesus alone, also, maybe when darkness fell, down lonely paths, maybe through storms and cold silences, walking the dark hills, not responding to the curious crowds, but seeking out the troubled and the hurting individuals.
This is a plausible picture, because Jesus still does this today.
It was in His nature: Remember the “ninety and nine,” and the one lost sheep the shepherd sought; remember His words, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock”; remember His story of the father rejoicing over the prodigal son who repents and returns and is restored; remember His admonition to be “fishers of men”; remember Him weeping over Jerusalem; remember the promise that “Whosoever” believes should not perish but have eternal life. He walks the dark hills, looking for us – piercing the gloom with a joyful hope that may be ours.
And, continuing to reconstruct an image of what Jerusalem must have been like those 40 days, abuzz with talk of the Miracle Man, let us also remember that we don’t have to respond to a knock on the door – “Come! They say that Jesus is down by the river! Let’s see Him!” No… He will come to us. And it is especially the case, I believe, if you are one of those people who is skeptical, or has “heard enough,” or cannot crack the shell of hurt or pain or resentment or rebellion or fear, or all the other hindrances that prevent us from experiencing the love of Christ.
He is closer than a shadow, no matter what you think, or what you might prefer to believe. You might have experienced, say, the nightmare of something like a crib death; remember that Jesus offers peace that passes understanding. You might have health scares, insecure about your very life and what your place on earth is; remember that Jesus walks the dark hills to guide you and me. You might have had problems with drugs, and the law, and custody, maybe losing your home, with nowhere to turn; remember that Jesus offers you refuge. You might be a girl who has tried to shake addictions time after time after time; remember that the feeling around your shoulders is Jesus hugging you tightly. You might have lost a preemie, having prayed, believing, for a healthy child; remember that, through it all, trust is more important than understanding.
“God walks the dark hills, To guide our footsteps. He walks everywhere, By night and by day. He walks in the silence, On down the highway; God walks the dark hills, To show us the way.”
The risen Savior, Lord of Creation, walks the dark hills, to seek out… me? and you? where we are? in our hurts, in our messes? That’s the miracle of the Miracle Man, to me, still – that He loves you and me.
Copyright © Rick Marschall. Used with permission.