For the 40th day prayer for the dead, the Philippines offers a variety of options. The first is a traditional Catholic prayer that can be performed alone or in groups. The second is the traditional Filipino folk prayer. The third is an alternative prayer that uses only one word: “God.” The first option is traditional Catholic prayer. It can be used by itself or as part of a larger service or celebration. It is not intended to replace any other prayers or services but rather to supplement them. It starts by asking God for forgiveness for sins committed during life and then moves on to remembering family members who have passed away and praying for their souls.
The recitation ends with asking God to keep families together and help them live in peace. The second option is a traditional Filipino folk prayer, which can be used by itself or as part of a larger service or celebration. It starts by thanking God for all things good and asking him to bless those who are gathered together. Then it asks him to keep families together and help them live in peace, followed by asking him to free those who have gone before us from suffering and pain while they wait for their final judgment day when they will spend eternity with him in heaven.
40th Day Prayer For The Dead Philippines
1. “I pray for [name], who has passed away, today, my Lord. I have no doubt in my mind that his or her spirit will make its way to Your beautiful gardens. I give up all of [name]’s transgressions, agony, concerns, and suffering so that they can remain with us in the hereafter. Lord, please take away our grief. Knowing that he or she is standing next to You and resting sweetly in Your arms is the only thing that will bring me some comfort and calm.
On the 40th day, provide him/her protection from bad spirits and allow their soul to pass Your last judgement. May we come together once more in Your protection and by Your side. May the soul of [name] find peace. Amen. O God, Who has instructed us to honour our parents, have pity on my parents’ souls; pardon their transgressions and grant me the opportunity to see them in the joy of eternal light. By means of Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we know and trust that You are in control of our times. However, it always comes as a shock to us when a dear loved one passes away suddenly and unexpectedly, either from an accident or possibly from an unanticipated tragedy that claims their life far sooner than expected.
Lord, we bring those who are experiencing such a tragic loss before You today. We pray that You will be by everyone’s side during their time of mourning. We also ask that You be understanding of their confusion or even anger at having been caught off guard by such a devastating event.
We pray for those who are going through such a trying time right now because you are the God of all consolation, Who gives us solace when we are in need.
We pray for their upholding and ask You to be very near to them, raising them up to be ministered to and to have true consolation and support at this tragic and grievous time. We trust You to eventually ease our pain since You are the all-powerful God of the planet. Lord, we don’t understand why our loved ones should be taken from us by an abrupt and unexpected death. We ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.
What Is the Purpose of The Catholic 40 Days After Death Prayer?
In the Catholic faith, the 40 days after death prayer is a tradition that involves prayers and rituals for the deceased in the 40 days following their passing. This period is seen as a time for the soul of the departed to make its journey to the afterlife and for their loved ones to pray for their peaceful transition.
The Purpose of the 40 Days After Death Prayer
1. **Spiritual Support:** One of the main purposes of the 40 days after death prayer is to provide spiritual support to the deceased as they make their journey to the afterlife. It is believed that prayers during this time can help the soul of the departed find peace and solace.
2. **Family Healing:** The 40 days after death prayer also serves as a time for family and friends to come together to remember the deceased and find healing in their grief. It allows loved ones to support each other and find comfort in their shared faith.
3. **Honoring the Deceased:** Through the 40 days after death prayer, Catholics honor the memory of the deceased and show respect for their life. It is a way to continue to show love and care for the departed even after they have passed.
4. **Requesting Mercy:** Catholics believe that prayers during the 40 days after death can also help to ask for mercy and forgiveness for the soul of the departed. It is a time to seek God’s grace and mercy for the deceased.
5. **Continuing the Bond:** The 40 days after death prayer helps to keep the bond between the living and the deceased strong. It is a way to show that the departed are still remembered and loved, even after they have passed.
Implementing the Catholic 40 days after death prayer is an important aspect of the faith for many Catholics. It provides a way to honor the deceased, seek spiritual support, and find healing in the midst of grief. By following this tradition, Catholics show their commitment to their faith and their love for those who have passed on.
40 days after death prayer
40 days after death prayer is a significant time for many cultures and religions, as it marks an important juncture in the journey of the soul. During this time, it is believed that the soul of the departed is in need of prayers and blessings to guide them to their final resting place. Here are some prayers that can be recited during this time:
Prayer 1
Dear Lord, we gather today to pray for the soul of our beloved (Name), who has passed from this world into the next. May you guide them with your loving light and bring peace to their eternal resting place. Amen.
Prayer 2
Heavenly Father, we lift up our hearts in prayer for (Name) as they continue their journey towards you. May your grace and mercy surround them, and may they find comfort in your loving embrace. Amen.
Prayer 3
Lord Jesus Christ, we entrust the soul of (Name) into your hands, knowing that you are the way, the truth, and the life. May you lead them to everlasting happiness and peace in your heavenly kingdom. Amen.
Prayer 4
God of all mercy, we ask for your forgiveness and compassion for (Name) as they stand before you in judgement. Grant them mercy and grace, and welcome them into your eternal kingdom with open arms. Amen.
Prayer 5
Holy Spirit, we pray that you will comfort and guide the soul of (Name) during this time of transition. Fill them with your peace and love, and bring them safely to their eternal home in heaven. Amen.
Prayer 6
Lord of all creation, we thank you for the life of (Name) and the gift of their presence in our lives. May their soul be at peace in your presence, and may they find rest and joy in your dwelling place. Amen.
As we offer these prayers for the soul of our departed loved one, let us remember the words of John 14:1-3: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
40 Days After Death Prayer Christianity
Lord, those whom we love and have lost
Lord, those whom we love and have lost
are now safe in your hands.
We entrust them to you.
Strengthen our faith in the communion of saints.
Wipe away all tears from our eyes,
are now safe in your hands.
We grieve their passing and mourn the loss of their presence in our lives. They are now safe in your hands, O Lord, who are the only true comforter and bringer of peace. We pray that you have taken them out of evil into your kingdom where they will be free from suffering, pain and sorrow; safe from sin; and home at last with you.
We entrust them to you knowing that although we do not see them now on earth, we will see them again someday soon when all families are reunited for eternity in heaven. Keep us strong enough to bear this loss until then by giving us strength from within ourselves as well as through each other’s love for each other during this hard time in our lives.
We entrust them to you.
The 40th day prayer for the dead is a Catholic tradition that has been in practice for hundreds of years. It is said that this prayer helps to guide our loved ones who have passed on to heaven, and that by praying this prayer, they are able to rest peacefully in peace with God.
We entrust them to you, O Lord Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for our salvation; grant them eternal rest with your saints in light and life everlasting. Amen
Strengthen our faith in the
Dear God, we pray that our faith in you would be stronger and deeper.
We are aware of the communion of saints and we know that there is no separation among us, regardless of our earthly conditions or spiritual condition. We should be one with Jesus Christ who died for all people including those who have passed away.
Please wipe away all tears from our eyes so that we can see clearly how much you love us. Lead us to the joy of salvation by sending your Holy Spirit who will guide us on this journey called life. We also ask you to pray for those who have died but not yet entered into heaven because they still need your grace and mercy until they do enter into heaven’s open doors.
Give them peace and happiness in your presence so that they can continue enjoying your blessings here on earth or even beyond when time comes for them to join their loved ones already living with you forevermore
communion of saints.
The communion of saints is a belief in the Christian church that all Christians are united with one another, and with the spiritual being of Christ. Because of this, we consider all Christians to be part of a single body, which is the Church. The phrase “communion of saints” does not have any one precise meaning and has been interpreted in various ways by theologians. For example, it may mean that all members are united by their faith in God’s love for them and by their hope for eternal life (heaven). It also may mean that even though we may be separated from each other physically, we are still united spiritually as members of Christ’s body.
Wipe away all tears from our eyes,
Wipe away all tears from our eyes,
and take away all pain from our hearts.
Keep us safe in your arms always,
and keep our loved ones by your side.
We pray for peace and comfort to the bereaved families and loved ones who have lost their beloved ones on this day.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
and lead us to the joy of salvation.
May the Lord lead you to the joy of salvation and wipe away all tears from your eyes.
Let us now pray for our departed loved ones, that they may be with you forever.
Let us now pray for our departed loved ones
Let us now pray for our departed loved ones:
May they rest in peace. May they have eternal life, and may the Lord forgive them their sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us. Let us pray together: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
that they may be with You forever.
By praying for the departed, you are showing them that they are remembered. You are also reminding yourself that they will never be forgotten. Praying is a way to give comfort and support to those who have lost loved ones, as well as a way to connect with God and feel connected with the departed. The 40th day prayer is an important tradition that binds families together by giving thanks for their loved one’s life and expressing hope for their eternal rest in heaven.
May they enjoy peace and happiness in Your presence.
The 40th day prayer for the dead can be found in many religious traditions around the world. In this prayer, we ask God to bless and protect our loved ones after they have passed away. On this day, we also pray that they may enjoy peace and happiness in His presence.
This 40th day prayer is often used by Catholics when praying for a loved one who has died recently; however, it can be used by anyone who is grieving over the loss of a beloved family member or friend.
This prayer should be said once every day until you feel ready to stop using this particular prayer as your method of coping with grief after losing someone close to you.
40th Day Prayer For The Dead Catholic
THE RESURRECTION
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the third day after his passion and death, rose again in glory, victorious over death and never to die again.
Prayer Intentions
- That all who are dying might join themselves with Christ who died and rose for them
- For those who do not believe
- Our Father…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cries of those who are dying of AIDS…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, with a mother’s care look gently on those who suffer with cancer…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, cradle the bodies broken with cares of this world…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, intercede for those imprisoned by selfishness and sin…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, remember those locked in their homes by fear…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, look with love on those whose minds betray them…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cry of those who wake to pain…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, stand by those who care for people who have grown old…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, comfort those must bury their loved one today…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, stand vigil by those who are about to die…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- Glory be to the Father, to the father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit…
Second Glorious Mystery
THE ASCENSION
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…
Third Glorious Mystery
PENTECOST
Our Lord Jesus Christ, sitting at the right hand of the Father, sent the Holy Spirit into the upper chamber where the apostles were gathered together, with the most Holy Virgin Mary.
Prayer Intentions
- For those whose lives are given in the defense of life
- For all who study and preach the Gospel of Life
- Our Father…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cries of those who accept the call to fatherhood…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, with a mother’s care guide all young women in love and in the truth…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, cradle the bodies of those who are dying in pain…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, intercede for those who seek to be good parents…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, remember the children of those who are dying…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cry of those whom we have forgotten…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, pray for all doctors that they may embrace a spirit of life…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, stand by those who are in despair…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, guide those tempted by sin and death…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, inspire all women by your example of faith…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Fourth Glorious Mystery
ASSUMPTION OF MARY
The Most Holy Virgin, twelve years after the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, passed from this life, and was assumed by the angels into heaven.
Prayer Intentions
- That those who have gone before us in faith might rest in the Lord
- For babies who have died through abortion
- Our Father…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cries of the mother whose child has been aborted…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, with a mother’s care strengthen those who have grown weak with age…
- Hail Mary, full of grace..
- O Holy Mary, cradle the children who have died through our neglect…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, intercede for those abused or forgotten…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, remember those imprisoned by selfishness or sin…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, look with love on those who long for heaven…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, hear the prayers of doctors who seek to heal…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, stand by those who work to save the weakest and littlest among us…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy, Mary, intercede for all who love life and work to protect it…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, Teach us by your life to embrace Christ your son…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…
Fifth Glorious Mystery
CORONATION OF MARY
The Most Holy Virgin was crowned in heaven by her divine Son as the saints rejoiced in glory around her throne.
Prayer Intentions
- For all mothers, that they come to know the wonder of their vocation
- For all who are homeless, broken or afraid
- Our Father…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cries of those who long for heaven…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, with a mother’s care lead the dying gently home…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, walk with those who seek the way home to your Son…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, intercede for those who pray to you today…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, remember those who lead and govern us…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, look with love on those who honor the name of your Son…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, send an angel to protect all who are lost…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, pray for the conversion of all who take life by violence…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, intercede with your son for all who have lost their way…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, walk closely with us in our search for the truth…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…
Significance of 40 Days After Death
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.
What Is The 40th Day After Death Prayer
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.
Significance Of 40 Days Prayer For The Dead
It is believed that the soul of the departed remains wandering on Earth during the 40-day period, coming back home, visiting places the departed has lived in as well as their fresh grave. The soul also completes the journey through the Aerial toll house finally leaving this world.