New Testament Readings

The Second Reading is from the New Testament. 

Colossians 3:12-17^ (Clothe yourselves with love) 
1 Corinthians 13:1-13^ (But the greatest of these is Love) 
1 Corinthians 15:20-23^ (So too in Christ shall all be brought to life) 
1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (So too in Christ shall all be brought to life) 
1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (Death is swallowed up in victory) 
2 Corinthians 4:14—5:1 (What is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal) 
2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10^ (We have a building from God, eternal in heaven) 
Ephesians 1:3-14 (Spiritual Blessings in Christ) 
1 John 3:1-2^ (We shall see him as he is) 
1 John 3:14-16 (We know that we have passed from death to life) 
Philippians 3:20-21 (He will change our lowly bodies to conform to his glory) 
Philippians 4:4-9^ (Joy and Peace) 
Revelation 14:13 (Let them find rest from their labor) 
Revelation 20:11-15 (The Large White Throne) 
Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7^ (The New Heaven and the New Earth) 
Romans 5:5-11^ (We will be saved through him from the wrath) 
Romans 5:17-21 (Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more) 
Romans 6:3-4, 8-9^ (We too might live in newness of life) 
Romans 6:3-9 (We too might live in newness of life) 
Romans 8:14-23 (We wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies) 
Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39^ (What will separate us from the love of Christ?) 
Romans 14:7-9, 10c-12^ (Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's) 
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18^ (Thus, we shall always be with the Lord) 
2 Timothy 2:8-13^ (If we have died with him, we shall also live with him) 
2 Timothy 4:6-8^ (I have fought the good fight) 

Gospel (Pick 1) 

The Gospel Reading comes from either Mathew, Mark, Luke, or John. These Gospels are the Heart of the Liturgy of the Word. They proclaim the words of, and life of Jesus Christ read by the presider and affirmed by the assembly. 

John 5:24-29 (Whoever hears my word and believes has passed from death to life) 
John 6:37-40^ (Everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life and I shall raise him on the last day) 
John 6:51-58 (Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and I will raise them up on the last day) 
John 11:17-27^ (I am the resurrection and the life) 
John 11:21-27^ (I am the resurrection and the life) 
John 11:32-45 (Lazarus come out!) 
John 12:23-26^ (If it dies, it produces much fruit) 
John 12:23-28 (If it dies, it produces much fruit) 
John 14:1-6^ (In my Father's house there are many dwellings) 
John 15:12-17^ (Love one another as I have loved you) 
John 17:24-26 (I wish that where I am, they also may be with me) 
John 19:17-18, 25-39 (And bowing his head he handed over his Spirit) 
Luke 7:11-17^ (Young man, I tell you, arise!) 
Luke 12:35-40 (You also must be prepared) 
Luke 23:33, 39-43^ (Today you will be with me in Paradise) 
Luke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53; 24:1-6a (Father, into your hands I commend my spirit) 
Luke 24:13-16, 28-35^ (Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?) 
Luke 24:13-35 (Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?) 
Matthew 5:1-12a^ (Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven) 
Matthew 11:25-30^ (Come to me and I will give you rest) 
Matthew 18:1-5^ (Unless you change and become like children) 
Matthew 25:1-13^ (Behold the bridegroom! Come out to him!) 
Matthew 25:31-46 (Come, you who are blessed by my Father) 
Mark 10:13-16^ (Jesus Blesses Little Children) 
Mark 15:33-39 (Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last) 
Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-6 (Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last) 

Prayers of the Faithful

For The Deceased (Pick 1)

1. In Baptism, [Deceased's Name] , received the light of Christ. Scatter the darkness now and lead him/her over the waters of death ... we pray:

2. For [Deceased's Name], who received the light of Christ in Baptism, that he/she may live among the saints ... we pray:

3. For [Deceased's Name], who was given the promise of eternal life in Baptism; may Christ continue to love him/her into eternal life and grant him/her perfect peace ... we pray:

4. Our brother/sister [Deceased's Name], was nourished at the table of the Savior. Welcome him/her into the halls of the heavenly banquet ... we pray:

5. [Deceased's Name] ate the bread of eternal life, the Body of Christ, which was his/her strength; raise him/her up, O Lord ... we pray:

6. For [Deceased's Name]. May he/she experience the joy of Christ in his/her risen life ... we pray:

7. In thanksgiving for the freedom from pain, and the joy which [Deceased's Name] is now experiencing in the presence of the God who continues to love him/her into life ... we pray:

8. For [Deceased's Name], and his/her family, beloved of God, that he/she be held securely in God's embrace, now and for all eternity ... we pray:

9. In thanksgiving for the life of quiet generosity which [Deceased's Name] so selflessly gave to his/her
husband/wife/family, we pray:

10. Because we believe [Deceased's Name] now enjoys the fullness of life in God's presence ... we pray:

11. For the realization that [Deceased's Name] now shares fullness of life with his/her son/daughter, and with all his/her relatives and friends who have gone before him, ... we pray:

For Grieving Family and Friends (Pick 1)

12. For us who mourn [Deceased's Name]'s death, that God will fill us with the peace he/she now enjoys ... we pray:

13. For [Deceased's Name]'s family and friends, that they be consoled in their grief and be comforted by Christ ... we pray:

14. For [Deceased's Name]'s family and friends who seek comfort and consolation; heal their pain, dispel the darkness, and doubt that come from grief ... we pray:

15. For [Deceased's Name]'s family and friends, especially [Name of Bereaved], that Christ may console them in their grief ... we pray:

16. For [Deceased's Name]'s family, that our tears for him/her may be turned into dancing in the knowledge that he/she is now with the Lord ... we pray:

17. For all of us gathered here to worship in faith … (pause) send Your Spirit, the Comforter, upon us that we may be strengthened to walk in faith and hope, and live with you till the end of time ... we pray:

18. For [Deceased's Name]'s family and all who mourn his/her death; may this time of grief pass gently on its way and may beautiful memories remain as precious keepsakes ... we pray:

19. For the resolution of conflicts in all families ... we pray:

20. For [Deceased's Name]'s family and all who mourn his/her death .... (pause); may we feel the healing power of Christ in the midst of our grief ... we pray:

21. For [Deceased's Name]'s loved ones and all who experience the tragedy of sudden or multiple losses ... (pause); may the grace of God's love sustain them in harmony and peace, ... we pray:

For Loved Ones Gone Before Us (Pick 1)

22. For [name family member/s; i.e. husband/wife, son/daughter, sister/brother, etc.] who proceeded him/her in death; may they all welcome him/her home into the fullness of a life that never ends ... we pray:

23. Many family members and friends have gone before us and await the Kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with your Son ... we pray:

24. For our deceased relatives and friends and for all who have supported and guided us, that they may have the reward of their goodness ... we pray:

25. For our loved ones who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again, especially {Deceased's Name(s)] that they may see God face to face ... we pray:

26. Those who trusted in the Lord now sleep in the Lord. Give refreshment, rest, and peace to all whose faith is known to you alone ... we pray:

27. For [Deceased's Name]'s loved ones who preceded him/her in death, may they welcome him/her in heaven with open arms ... we pray:

28. For our loved ones who have gone before us, especially [Deceased's Name(s)]; grant them an everlasting home with Your Son, Jesus ... we pray:

29. For [Deceased's Name]'s parents and relatives who have gone before him/her and now welcome him/her home, especially [Deceased's Name(s)]... we pray:

For Military and Public Safety Concerns (Optional)

30. For our church, government, and our military men and women, who are serving to maintain our freedom from oppression ... we pray:

31. For all those who have served or are currently serving in the military ... may those who place their lives on the line for others return home safely ... we pray:

32. For all those who have served or are currently serving in the military, the police, and all who work for public safety ... may those who place their lives on the line for others be kept safe ... we pray:

For Caregivers, Medical Support and Sick (Pick 1 or 2)

33. For all those who cared for [Deceased's Name] in the final weeks/months of his/her life, and for those who lovingly supported his/her family with prayers and numerous acts of kindness ... we pray:

34. For those who serve us in the medical profession, especially Hospice caregivers, that they may experience God's presence in their work ... we pray:

35. For those who so generously care for the sad, sick, and lonely ... we pray:

36. For nurses and all healthcare professionals ... (pause); may they allow God's healing touch to work through them ... we pray:

37. For all caregivers and healthcare professionals ... (pause); may they allow God's healing touch to work through them, we pray:

38. For all who suffer mental, emotional, spiritual and physical infirmities ... we pray:

39. For all those who generously and selflessly care for others ... we pray:

40. For all who are suffering with Alzheimer's/dementia and for their families and caregivers ... (pause); may they find the strength and support they need, we pray:

41. For those who are living with life threatening illnesses, especially cancer, that they may feel the peace and love of Christ ... we pray:

42. For the sincere dedication of those working towards cures for AIDS, cancer and other debilitating diseases ... we pray:

43. For the sick in our family ... (pause); may God walk alongside them and give them strength and perseverance through their adversities, we pray:

44. For all who suffer in mind or body ... (pause); may they realize that God is always with them, we pray:

45. In this time of great grief, we pray in gratitude for those who have lightened our burdens by offering support and sharing memories ... we pray:

For Church, World Other Interests (Pick 1 or 2)

46. For the church and her leaders that the Risen Christ may continue to shepherd us ... we pray:

47. That bishops, priests, deacons and all who preach the gospel may be given the strength to express in action the word they proclaim ... we pray:

48. For the Church and its members, that we may live with deep faith in the Resurrection of Jesus and in our own Resurrection ... we pray:

49. For all those suffering loss from natural disasters, that Christ, Our Healer may accompany all as they begin life a new ... we pray:

50. For an end to all violence ... (pause); may all people be treated with respect, and all conflicts be resolved peaceably, we pray:

51. That the world experience God's peace and love ... we pray:

52. Many people die from violence, war, and famine each day. Show your mercy to those who suffer so unjustly these sins against your love and gather them to the eternal kingdom of peace ... we pray:

53. For all of the creatures with whom we share this planet ... (pause); may all the gifts of creation be treasured and safeguarded ... we pray:

54. For all those who are hurting, hungry, homeless, in need of medical care, or seeking a stronger spiritual relationship with God ... we pray:

55. For peace, that it begin in each heart and radiate throughout the world ... we pray:

56. In gratitude for all who have traveled great distances to honor's memory and for their safe return ... we pray:

57. For the gift of [Deceased's Name]'s ready wit and keen mind ... we pray:

58. In gratitude for the faithful love and joy which he/she brought to his/her many years of marriage; we pray:

59. For the gifts of continued family closeness even in difficult times ... we pray:

60. For the sharing of memories and giftedness during our grieving ... we pray: