Prayer During the Wake

A wake service, also known as a Vigil Service, is an important part of Catholic funeral rites, providing a time for family and friends to gather, pray, and remember the deceased. It can be led by a priest, deacon, or a layperson, and often includes scripture readings, intercessory prayers, and opportunities for sharing stories or eulogies.

The structure of a wake prayer service typically begins with an opening prayer, followed by scripture readings, a period of reflection or sharing, intercessory prayers (often in the form of a litany), and concluding prayers. The Rosary is also a common prayer recited during a wake, serving as an intercessory prayer asking for Mary's intercession for the deceased's eternal rest.

Key prayers and elements often included in a Catholic wake service are:

• Opening Prayer: This sets the tone for the service, inviting God's presence and comfort during a time of grief.

• Scripture Reading: Passages from the Bible are read to offer hope and consolation, often focusing on themes of resurrection, eternal life, and God's faithfulness. Examples include 2 Timothy 2:8-13, Psalm 23, and John 14:1-6

• Reflection/Eulogy: This is a time for family and friends to share memories and stories of the deceased, celebrating their life and impact.

• Litany/Intercessory Prayers: These prayers ask for God's mercy on the deceased and for comfort for the grieving. A common litany might involve repeated petitions like "Have mercy on the soul of (Name)"

• The Lord's Prayer (Our Father): This fundamental Christian prayer is often recited by all present.

• Hail Mary: This prayer to the Blessed Mother is frequently included, especially if the Rosary is being prayed.

• Glory Be: A doxology praising the Holy Trinity.

• Eternal Rest Prayer: A common prayer asking for eternal rest and perpetual light for the departed.

• Concluding Prayer and Blessing: The service typically ends with a prayer of commendation for the deceased and a blessing for those gathered.

The purpose of these prayers and rituals is to commend the deceased to God's mercy, to find strength in Christ's presence, and to console the sorrowing with the comforting Word of God and the hope of resurrection. The Christian understanding of death is rooted in the Paschal Mystery of Christ's Death and Resurrection, offering hope that death is not the end but a transition to eternal life with God

PRAYER : " The following prayers are recited during the wake, along with the Holy Rosary. B. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. R. Amen. Saints of God, come to his aid! Come to meet him, angels of the Lord! B. Receive his soul and present him to God, the Most High. B. May Christ, who called you, take you to himself; may angels lead you to Abraham's side. R. Receive his soul and present him to God, the Most High. B. Give him eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on him for ever. R. Receive his soul and present him to God, the Most High.

Let us pray:

All-powerful and merciful God, we commend to you N., your servant. In your mercy and love, blot out the sins he has committed through human weakness. In this world he has died: let him live with you for ever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

B. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.

R. And let perpetual light shine upon him.

B. May he rest in peace.

R. Amen.

B. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

R. Amen.

Let us pray: Remember, Lord, those, who have died and have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, especially those for whom we now pray, N. May these, and all who sleep in Christ find in your presence light, happiness and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. "