Prayer for the Dying

When a loved one is nearing the end of their life, prayers can offer significant comfort and spiritual support to both the dying individual and their family and friends. These prayers often focus on themes of peace, forgiveness, divine mercy, and the hope of eternal life.

Various traditions and denominations offer specific prayers and scripture readings suitable for this sensitive time. For instance, the Catholic tradition includes prayers such as the Sign of the Cross, the Penitential Act, the Divine Mercy Prayer, the Lord's Prayer, and the Prayer of Commendation. The Divine Mercy Prayer, as revealed to St. Faustina Kowalska, is believed to bring unfathomable mercy to a dying soul when recited by or for them. The Prayer of Commendation, often said as death approaches, entrusts the soul of the dying person to God's care.

Scripture readings are also a common and powerful way to provide comfort. Passages frequently used include Psalm 23 ("The Lord is my shepherd"), Psalm 16 (focusing on eternal pleasures), Psalm 46:1-7 (emphasizing God as refuge and strength), Psalm 121 (God watching over you), and Psalm 131 (calmness and quietude) Other significant biblical verses include Isaiah 12:2 ("Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid"), Isaiah 43:1-3a ("Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine"), and John 14:1-3 ("Do not let your hearts be troubled... In my Father’s house there are many rooms") The book of Revelation also offers hope-giving visions of a new heaven and new earth where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.

Chaplains, who are often non-denominational, play a crucial role in hospice care by offering compassionate listening and spiritual insight, tailoring prayers to the unique needs and beliefs of individuals and families. They may use extemporaneous prayers, prayer books, or even lead patients through a life review process to honor their life and help them find meaning. For those in the Jewish tradition, a vidui, or final confessional prayer, which includes the Shema prayer, is often recited.

Key prayers and scriptural passages for the dying include:

• The Lord's Prayer (Our Father)

• Psalm 23 ("The Lord is my shepherd") 

• John 14:1-3 ("Do not let your hearts be troubled") 

• Divine Mercy Prayer

• Prayer of Commendation

• Psalm 16 (Eternal Pleasures)

• Psalm 46:1-7 (Refuge and Strength)

• Psalm 121 (Watching Over You) 

• Isaiah 43:1-3a ("You Are Mine")

• Revelation 21:1-7 (Everything New) 

These prayers and readings aim to instill confidence in God's mercy, overcome fears, and provide comfort and hope for a heavenly life. Even if a person appears unconscious, they may still be aware of their surroundings and able to hear, finding solace in the presence and prayers of loved ones.

PRAYER : " Lord, we pray for those whose life on earth is Lord, we pay for the end, especially for this beloved child of yours. May he be filled with your peace, and surrender himself totally into your hands, knowing that you have loved him with an everlasting love. Amen. "