Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences we can face in life. In times of watching them die, turning to prayer can provide comfort and solace. In the Orthodox Christian tradition, prayers for the dying soul are an important part of the mourning process. These prayers not only offer support to the deceased on their journey to the afterlife, but also provide strength and healing for those left behind.
As we sober on watching the last moment of a loved one, let us remember the words of Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” May we find solace in the knowledge that God is with us in our time of need, offering comfort and peace to all who turn to Him in prayer. A sample prayer can go as follows.
Heavenly Father, in your infinite mercy, watch over your child as they transition from this life to the next. May they feel your love surrounding them, giving them strength and assurance in their final moments. Grant them a peaceful passing, knowing that they are held in your eternal embrace. Amen.
O my Master, God of Heaven and earth, may my eyes never see his hideous and darksome face.
But at the time of my end, O my holy, thrice holy and glorified King, send me Thy mercy and Truth.
O my God, at that time send Michael, the commander-in-chief, over Thy servant.
Send me Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael, the great and bright generals, with all their immaculate and thrice-blessed army, to crush the insatiable dragon of Hades who gnashes his teeth and wants to snatch and devour anyone living piously.
Orthodox Prayer for the Dying
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on your servant during his/her final moments on earth. Grant them peace and comfort as they prepare to meet you face to face. May your presence be felt in the room, bringing healing and hope to all who are gathered. Amen.2.
Hear me, O my God, even though I may transgress Thy law before Thee every day. Hear me, my King, My Redeemer, and make me worthy to enter Thy glory, just as I beseech Thee night and day, and pray to Thee, and supplicate Thy immortal and life-giving majesty.3.
Lord of all, we entrust the soul of your servant into your loving hands. Guide them through the valley of the shadow of death, leading them into the glorious light of your presence. May they find rest in your presence, free from pain and fear. Amen.4.
Almighty God, grant your servant a peaceful departure from this earthly life. May they feel your peace and comfort surrounding them, dispelling all anxiety and dread. Lead them gently into your heavenly kingdom, where they will dwell in your presence forevermore. Amen.5.
God of compassion, be near to your child in their final moments. May they feel your arms holding them close, soothing their fears and easing their pain. Grant them a smooth passage into your eternal kingdom, where they will find rest and joy in your presence. Amen.6.
Lord Jesus, be with your servant as they journey from this life to the next. May they feel your love surrounding them, casting out all fear and doubt. Fill their hearts with peace and assurance, knowing that you are waiting to welcome them into your heavenly home. Amen.“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
Orthodox Prayer when Someone Dies
Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and finding solace in prayer can provide comfort and support during such a challenging time. In the Orthodox Christian tradition, prayers for the departed are an important part of the grieving process. These prayers are meant to offer guidance, peace, and hope for the soul of the departed as they journey to the afterlife.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on the soul of your servant [Name]. Grant [him/her] peace and rest in Your Kingdom and forgiveness of [his/her] sins, both voluntary and involuntary.
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
May the angels carry [Name]’s soul to Paradise, where there is no sorrow, no weeping, nor pain, but everlasting joy. Grant [him/her] a place in Your heavenly abode, O Lord, where all Your saints repose, and may [he/she] have eternal peace and blessedness.
Remember, O Lord, the soul of Your servant [Name], who has fallen asleep, and establish [him/her] in Your Kingdom, where there is no pain, sorrow, nor suffering, but life everlasting.
Grant [Name] rest with the souls of the righteous and the saints, in the bosom of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, where there is no more pain, no more sorrow, no more suffering, but life everlasting.
May [Name]’s memory be eternal, and may [he/she] find eternal rest and peace in Your presence, O Lord. Grant [him/her] rest in the company of Your saints, and may [his/her] soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life with You.
O Lord, receive the soul of Your servant [Name] into Your Kingdom, where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sighing, but life everlasting.
Grant [him/her] rest among the righteous, the saints, and the martyrs, where there is no more weeping, no more sorrow, but eternal joy and peace in Your presence. May [his/her] soul be at peace, and may [he/she] find eternal rest in Your divine mercy.
Lord Jesus Christ, grant eternal rest to the soul of Your departed servant [Name], who has fallen asleep, and make [his/her] memory to be eternal.
Grant [him/her] rest in Your heavenly Kingdom, where there is no pain, no sorrow, no suffering, but life everlasting. May [his/her] soul find peace and rest in Your presence, O Lord, and may [he/she] be remembered always in Your divine mercy.
As we gather to pray for [Name]’s soul, may we find comfort in knowing that [he/she] is now in the loving embrace of God, where there is no more pain, no more suffering, but only peace and eternal joy. May [his/her] memory be eternal, and may we always remember [him/her] with love and reverence.
| Prayer | Scripture |
|---|---|
| Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on the soul of your servant [Name]. Grant [him/her] peace and rest in Your Kingdom and forgiveness of [his/her] sins, both voluntary and involuntary. | Matthew 11:28-30 |
Orthodox Prayers for 40 Days After Death
Orthodox Christians believe in the power of prayer for the souls of the departed. After a loved one passes away, it is customary to offer prayers for their soul for a period of 40 days. This time is significant in Orthodox tradition as it is believed that the soul of the departed undergoes a period of purification before entering into the presence of God. Here are 6 prayers that are commonly recited for 40 days after the death of a loved one:
Prayer 1
Lord, have mercy on the soul of your servant [Name] who has departed from this life. Grant them rest in the company of your saints, and forgive all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary. May their memory be eternal, and may they find peace and joy in your kingdom. Amen.
Prayer 2
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Prayer 3
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend the soul of your servant [Name]. May they find rest and peace in your presence, and may their sins be forgiven through your boundless mercy. Amen.
Prayer 4
May the angels lead you into paradise, may the martyrs come to welcome you, and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem. May you have eternal rest in the presence of God. Amen.
Prayer 5
O Lord, grant [Name] a place of refreshment, light and peace in the land of the living, where there is no pain, sorrow, or mourning. May they be reunited with their loved ones in your eternal kingdom. Amen.
Prayer 6
Lord Jesus Christ, who promised paradise to the thief on the cross, remember your servant [Name] who has departed from this life. Grant them a place of rest and joy in your kingdom, where there is no more suffering or sorrow. Amen.
In times of grief and loss, it is important to turn to prayer for comfort and solace. The Bible offers many verses that speak to the power of prayer and the hope of eternal life. One such verse is found in Revelation 21:4, which says, “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.”
Praying for the souls of the departed for 40 days after their passing is a way for Orthodox Christians to honor their memory and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness on their behalf. As they rest in the presence of God, may the souls of the faithful departed find eternal peace and joy in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.