Burial Service Parallels

SourceBCP p. 491SourceEOW 2 p. 131SourceBOS 2018 p. 188SourceBCP p. 506
Burial IIBurial of a ChildBurial of a Non-ChristianAn Order for Burial

The Burial of the Dead:
Rite Two

Burial of a Child

Burial of One Who Does Not Profess the Christian Faith

An Order for Burial

All stand while one or more of the following anthems are sung or said.

Gather in the Name of God

This anthem; and any of the following Psalms, Lessons, and Prayers; and the form of Committal given below may be used with the Order for Burial on page 506 of the Prayer Book.

When, for pastoral considerations, neither of the burial rites in this Book is deemed appropriate, the following form is used

A hymn, psalm, or some other suitable anthem may be sung instead.

All stand while one or more of the following is said or sung

Opening Anthem

1. The body is received. The celebrant may meet the body and conduct it into the church or chapel, or it may be in place before the congregation assembles

I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord. Whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though he die. And everyone who has life, and has committed himself to me in faith, shall not die for ever.

As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives and that at the last he will stand upon the earth. After my awaking, he will raise me up; and in my body I shall see God. I myself shall see, and my eyes behold him who is my friend and not a stranger.

For none of us has life in himself, and none becomes his own master when he dies. For if we have life, we are alive in the Lord, and if we die, we die in the Lord. So, then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s possession.

Happy from now on are those who die in the Lord! So it is, says the Spirit, for they rest from their labors.

In the midst of life we are in death;
from whom can we seek help?
From you alone, O Lord,
who by our sins are justly angered.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty,
Holy and merciful Savior,
deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.
Lord, you know the secrets of our hearts;
shut not your ears to our prayers,
but spare us, O Lord.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty,
Holy and merciful Savior,
deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.
O worthy and eternal Judge,
do not let the pains of death
turn us away from you at our last hour.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty,
Holy and merciful Savior,
deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.

He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom.Isaiah 40:11

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.Deuteronomy 33:27

As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.Isaiah 66:13a

When Israel was a child, I loved him.... it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms.... I led them with...bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.Hosea 11:1a, 3, 4

For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears.... But you, O Lord, reign for ever; your throne endures to all generations.Lamentations 1: 16a; 5:19

Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.Matthew 19:14

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.Revelation 7:17

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is his faithfulness. The Lord will not cast off forever. Though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; The Lord does not willingly afflict or grieve his children.

2. Anthems from Holy Scripture or psalms may be sung or said, or a hymn may be sung.

When all are in place, the Celebrant may address the congregation, acknowledging briefly the purpose of their gathering, and bidding their prayers for the deceased and the bereaved.

When all are in place, the Minister may address the congregation, acknowledging briefly the purpose of their gathering, and bidding their prayers for the deceased and the bereaved.

3. Prayer may be offered for the bereaved.

The Celebrant then says

The Minister says one of the following Collects, first saying

The Lord be with you.

PeopleAnd also with you.

CelebrantLet us pray.

The Lord be with you.

PeopleAnd also with you.

MinisterLet us pray.

Silence may be kept; after which the Celebrant says one of the following Collects

Silence

At the Burial of an Adult

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that your servant N., being raised with him, may know the strength of his presence, and rejoice in his eternal glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

At the Burial of an Adult

O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of your servant N., and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

At the Burial of an Adult

O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother (sister) N. We thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Burial of a Child

O God, whose beloved Son took children into his arms and blessed them: Give us grace to entrust N., to your never-failing care and love, and bring us all to your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Holy God, your beloved Son took children into his arms and blessed them. Help us to entrust N. to your never failing loving- kindness. Comfort us as we bear the pain of her/his death, and reunite us in your good time in your Paradise; through Jesus Christ our Savior who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Gracious God, we come before you this day in pain and sorrow. We grieve the loss of N., a precious human life. Give your grace to those who grieve [especially N.], that they may find comfort in your presence and be strengthened by your Spirit. Be with this your family as they mourn, and draw them together in your healing love; in the name of the one who suffered, died, and rose for us, Jesus our Savior. Amen.

The Celebrant may add the following prayer

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding, deal graciously with NN. in their grief. Surround them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The people sit.

One or more of the following passages from Holy Scripture is read. If there is to be a Communion, a passage from the Gospel always concludes the Readings.

One or more of the following passages from Holy Scripture is read. If the Eucharist is celebrated, a passage from the Gospel always concludes the Readings

4. One or more passages of Holy Scripture are read. Psalms, hymns, or anthems may follow the readings. If there is to be a Communion, the last Reading is from the Gospel.

The Liturgy of the Word

The Lessons

Lessons and Psalms

From the Old Testament

Isaiah 25:6-9

6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. 7 And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. 8 Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. 9 It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

From the Old Testament

Isaiah 61:1-3

A Reading from the Book of Isaiah.

1 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.

From the Old Testament

Lamentations 3:22-26, 31-33

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. 26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. 31 For the Lord will not reject forever. 32 Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; 33 for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.

From the Old Testament

Wisdom 3:1-5, 9

A Reading from the Wisdom of Solomon.

1 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. 2 In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, 3 and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. 4 For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. 5 Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; 9 Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect.

From the Old Testament

Job 19:21-27a

A Reading from the Book of Job.

21 Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me! 22 Why do you, like God, pursue me, never satisfied with my flesh? 23 “O that my words were written down! O that they were inscribed in a book! 24 O that with an iron pen and with lead they were engraved on a rock forever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; 26 and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, 27 whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!

From the Old Testament

2 Samuel 12:16-23

A Reading from the Second Book of Samuel.

16 David therefore pleaded with God for the child; David fasted, and went in and lay all night on the ground. 17 The elders of his house stood beside him, urging him to rise from the ground; but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. 18 On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, “While the child was still alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us; how then can we tell him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.” 19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, he perceived that the child was dead; and David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” 20 Then David rose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes. He went into the house of the Lord, and worshiped; he then went to his own house; and when he asked, they set food before him and he ate. 21 Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while it was alive; but when the child died, you rose and ate food.” 22 He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me, and the child may live.’ 23 But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”

From the Old Testament

Isaiah 65:17-20, 23-25

A Reading from the Book of Isaiah.

17 For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. 19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. 20 No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. 23 They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord— and their descendants as well. 24 Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.

From the Old Testament

Isaiah 66:7-14

A Reading from the Book of Isaiah.

7 Before she was in labor she gave birth; before her pain came upon her she delivered a son. 8 Who has heard of such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be delivered in one moment? Yet as soon as Zion was in labor she delivered her children. 9 Shall I open the womb and not deliver? says the Lord; shall I, the one who delivers, shut the womb? says your God. 10 Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her— 11 that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious bosom. 12 For thus says the Lord: I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm, and dandled on her knees. 13 As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. 14 You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bodies shall flourish like the grass; and it shall be known that the hand of the Lord is with his servants, and his indignation is against his enemies.

From the Old Testament

Jeremiah 31:15-17

A Reading from the Book of Jeremiah.

15 Thus says the Lord: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more. 16 Thus says the Lord: Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for there is a reward for your work, says the Lord: they shall come back from the land of the enemy; 17 there is hope for your future, says the Lord: your children shall come back to their own country.

The First Lesson

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

A Reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes.

1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; 7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. 9 What gain have the workers from their toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. 11 He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

The First Lesson

Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

A Reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes.

1 Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come, and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; 2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return with the rain; 3 in the day when the guards of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the women who grind cease working because they are few, and those who look through the windows see dimly; 4 when the doors on the street are shut, and the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low; 5 when one is afraid of heights, and terrors are in the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along and desire fails; because all must go to their eternal home, and the mourners will go about the streets; 6 before the silver cord is snapped, and the golden bowl is broken, and the pitcher is broken at the fountain, and the wheel broken at the cistern, 7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the breath returns to God who gave it.

A suitable psalm, hymn, or canticle may follow. The following Psalms are appropriate: 42:1-7, 46, 90:1-12, 121, 130, 139:1-11.

42

QuemadmodumBCP p. 643

1As the deer longs for the water-brooks, *so longs my soul for you, O God.

2My soul is athirst for God, athirst for the living God; *when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?

3My tears have been my food day and night, *while all day long they say to me, “Where now is your God?”

4I pour out my soul when I think on these things; *how I went with the multitude and led them into the house of God,

5With the voice of praise and thanksgiving, *among those who keep holy-day.

6Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? *and why are you so disquieted within me?

7Put your trust in God; *for I will yet give thanks to him, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

46

Deus noster refugiumBCP p. 649

1God is our refuge and strength, *a very present help in trouble.

2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, *and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;

3Though its waters rage and foam, *and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.

4The Lord of hosts is with us; *the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

5There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, *the holy habitation of the Most High.

6God is in the midst of her; she shall not be overthrown; *God shall help her at the break of day.

7The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; *God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.

8The Lord of hosts is with us; *the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

9Come now and look upon the works of the Lord, *what awesome things he has done on earth.

10It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; *he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the shields with fire.

11“Be still, then, and know that I am God; *I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”

12The Lord of hosts is with us; *the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

90

Domine, refugiumBCP p. 717

1Lord, you have been our refuge *from one generation to another.

2Before the mountains were brought forth, or the land and the earth were born, *from age to age you are God.

3You turn us back to the dust and say, *“Go back, O child of earth.”

4For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past *and like a watch in the night.

5You sweep us away like a dream; *we fade away suddenly like the grass.

6In the morning it is green and flourishes; *in the evening it is dried up and withered.

7For we consume away in your displeasure; *we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation.

8Our iniquities you have set before you, *and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.

9When you are angry, all our days are gone; *we bring our years to an end like a sigh.

10The span of our life is seventy years, perhaps in strength even eighty; *yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow, for they pass away quickly and we are gone.

11Who regards the power of your wrath? *who rightly fears your indignation?

12So teach us to number our days *that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.

121

Levavi oculumBCP p. 779

1I lift up my eyes to the hills; *from where is my help to come?

2My help comes from the Lord, *the maker of heaven and earth.

3He will not let your foot be moved *and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.

4Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *shall neither slumber nor sleep;

5The Lord himself watches over you; *the Lord is your shade at your right hand,

6So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *nor the moon by night.

7The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; *it is he who shall keep you safe.

8The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in, *from this time forth for evermore.

130

De profundisBCP p. 784

1Out of the depths have I called to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice; *let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.

2If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss, *O Lord, who could stand?

3For there is forgiveness with you; *therefore you shall be feared.

4I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him; *in his word is my hope.

5My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning, *more than watchmen for the morning.

6O Israel, wait for the Lord, *for with the Lord there is mercy;

7With him there is plenteous redemption, *and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

139

Domine, probastiBCP p. 794

1Lord, you have searched me out and known me; *you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar.

2You trace my journeys and my resting-places *and are acquainted with all my ways.

3Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, *but you, O Lord, know it altogether.

4You press upon me behind and before *and lay your hand upon me.

5Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; *it is so high that I cannot attain to it.

6Where can I go then from your Spirit? *where can I flee from your presence?

7If I climb up to heaven, you are there; *if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.

8If I take the wings of the morning *and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

9Even there your hand will lead me *and your right hand hold me fast.

10If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, *and the light around me turn to night,”

11Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day; *darkness and light to you are both alike.

23

Dominus regit meBCP p. 612

1The Lord is my shepherd; *I shall not be in want.

2He makes me lie down in green pastures *and leads me beside still waters.

3He revives my soul *and guides me along right pathways for his Name’s sake.

4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; *for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.

6Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

42

QuemadmodumBCP p. 643

1As the deer longs for the water-brooks, *so longs my soul for you, O God.

2My soul is athirst for God, athirst for the living God; *when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?

3My tears have been my food day and night, *while all day long they say to me, “Where now is your God?”

4I pour out my soul when I think on these things; *how I went with the multitude and led them into the house of God,

5With the voice of praise and thanksgiving, *among those who keep holy-day.

6Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? *and why are you so disquieted within me?

7Put your trust in God; *for I will yet give thanks to him, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

23

Dominus regit meBCP p. 612

1The Lord is my shepherd; *I shall not be in want.

2He makes me lie down in green pastures *and leads me beside still waters.

3He revives my soul *and guides me along right pathways for his Name’s sake.

4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; *for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.

6Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

90

Domine, refugiumBCP p. 717

1Lord, you have been our refuge *from one generation to another.

2Before the mountains were brought forth, or the land and the earth were born, *from age to age you are God.

3You turn us back to the dust and say, *“Go back, O child of earth.”

4For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past *and like a watch in the night.

5You sweep us away like a dream; *we fade away suddenly like the grass.

6In the morning it is green and flourishes; *in the evening it is dried up and withered.

7For we consume away in your displeasure; *we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation.

8Our iniquities you have set before you, *and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.

9When you are angry, all our days are gone; *we bring our years to an end like a sigh.

10The span of our life is seventy years, perhaps in strength even eighty; *yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow, for they pass away quickly and we are gone.

11Who regards the power of your wrath? *who rightly fears your indignation?

12So teach us to number our days *that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.

13Return, O Lord; how long will you tarry? *be gracious to your servants.

14Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; *so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.

15Make us glad by the measure of the days that you afflicted us *and the years in which we suffered adversity.

16Show your servants your works *and your splendor to their children.

17May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us; *prosper the work of our hands; prosper our handiwork.

121

Levavi oculumBCP p. 779

1I lift up my eyes to the hills; *from where is my help to come?

2My help comes from the Lord, *the maker of heaven and earth.

3He will not let your foot be moved *and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.

4Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *shall neither slumber nor sleep;

5The Lord himself watches over you; *the Lord is your shade at your right hand,

6So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *nor the moon by night.

7The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; *it is he who shall keep you safe.

8The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in, *from this time forth for evermore.

130

De profundisBCP p. 784

1Out of the depths have I called to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice; *let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.

2If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss, *O Lord, who could stand?

3For there is forgiveness with you; *therefore you shall be feared.

4I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him; *in his word is my hope.

5My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning, *more than watchmen for the morning.

6O Israel, wait for the Lord, *for with the Lord there is mercy;

7With him there is plenteous redemption, *and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

From the New Testament

Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39

A Reading from the Letter to the Romans.

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. 18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

From the New Testament

1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 35-38, 42-44, 53-58

A Reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians.

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. 21 For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; 22 for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” 36 Fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And as for what you sow, you do not sow the body that is to be, but a bare seed, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. 42 So it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. 53 For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

From the New Testament

2 Corinthians 4:16-5:9

A Reading from the Second Letter to the Corinthians.

16 So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, 18 because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. 1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling— 3 if indeed, when we have taken it off we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 6 So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

From the New Testament

1 John 3:1-2

A Reading from the First Letter of John.

1 See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is.

From the New Testament

Revelation 7:9-17

9 After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 singing, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” 13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. 16 They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; 17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

From the New Testament

Revelation 21:2-7

2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” 5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

From the New Testament

Romans 8:31-39

A Reading from the Letter to the Romans.

31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

From the New Testament

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14,18

A Reading from the First Letter to the Thessalonians.

13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

From the New Testament

1 John 3:1-2

A Reading from the First Letter of John.

1 See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is.

The Second Lesson

Romans 8:35-39

A Reading from the Letter to the Romans.

35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A suitable psalm, hymn, or canticle may follow. The following Psalms are appropriate: 23, 27, 106:1-5, 116.

23

Dominus regit meBCP p. 612

1The Lord is my shepherd; *I shall not be in want.

2He makes me lie down in green pastures *and leads me beside still waters.

3He revives my soul *and guides me along right pathways for his Name’s sake.

4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; *for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.

6Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

27

Dominus illuminatioBCP p. 617

1The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? *the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?

2When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, *it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who stumbled and fell.

3Though an army should encamp against me, *yet my heart shall not be afraid;

4And though war should rise up against me, *yet will I put my trust in him.

5One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; *that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life;

6To behold the fair beauty of the Lord *and to seek him in his temple.

7For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter; *he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling and set me high upon a rock.

8Even now he lifts up my head *above my enemies round about me.

9Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds of great gladness; *I will sing and make music to the Lord.

10Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call; *have mercy on me and answer me.

11You speak in my heart and say, “Seek my face.” *Your face, Lord, will I seek.

12Hide not your face from me, *nor turn away your servant in displeasure.

13You have been my helper; cast me not away; *do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.

14Though my father and my mother forsake me, *the Lord will sustain me.

15Show me your way, O Lord; *lead me on a level path, because of my enemies.

16Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries, *for false witnesses have risen up against me, and also those who speak malice.

17What if I had not believed that I should see the goodness of the Lord *in the land of the living!

18O tarry and await the Lord’s pleasure; be strong, and he shall comfort your heart; *wait patiently for the Lord.

106

Part I

Confitemini DominoBCP p. 741

1Hallelujah! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, *for his mercy endures for ever.

2Who can declare the mighty acts of the Lord *or show forth all his praise?

3Happy are those who act with justice *and always do what is right!

4Remember me, O Lord, with the favor you have for your people, *and visit me with your saving help;

5That I may see the prosperity of your elect and be glad with the gladness of your people, *that I may glory with your inheritance.

116

Dilexi, quoniamBCP p. 759

1I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.

2The cords of death entangled me; the grip of the grave took hold of me; *I came to grief and sorrow.

3Then I called upon the Name of the Lord: *“O Lord, I pray you, save my life.”

4Gracious is the Lord and righteous; *our God is full of compassion.

5The Lord watches over the innocent; *I was brought very low, and he helped me.

6Turn again to your rest, O my soul. *for the Lord has treated you well.

7For you have rescued my life from death, *my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.

8I will walk in the presence of the Lord *in the land of the living.

9I believed, even when I said, “I have been brought very low.” *In my distress I said, “No one can be trusted.”

10How shall I repay the Lord *for all the good things he has done for me?

11I will lift up the cup of salvation *and call upon the Name of the Lord.

12I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *in the presence of all his people.

13Precious in the sight of the Lord *is the death of his servants.

14O Lord, I am your servant; *I am your servant and the child of your handmaid; you have freed me from my bonds.

15I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *and call upon the Name of the Lord.

16I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *in the presence of all his people,

17In the courts of the Lord’s house, *in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah!

121

Levavi oculumBCP p. 779

1I lift up my eyes to the hills; *from where is my help to come?

2My help comes from the Lord, *the maker of heaven and earth.

3He will not let your foot be moved *and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.

4Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *shall neither slumber nor sleep;

5The Lord himself watches over you; *the Lord is your shade at your right hand,

6So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *nor the moon by night.

7The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; *it is he who shall keep you safe.

8The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in, *from this time forth for evermore.

139

Domine, probastiBCP p. 794

7If I climb up to heaven, you are there; *if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.

8If I take the wings of the morning *and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

9Even there your hand will lead me *and your right hand hold me fast.

10If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, *and the light around me turn to night,”

11Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day; *darkness and light to you are both alike.

12For you yourself created my inmost parts; *you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

142

Voce mea ad DominusBCP p. 798

1I cry to the Lord with my voice; *to the Lord I make loud supplication.

2I pour out my complaint before him *and tell him all my trouble.

3When my spirit languishes within me, you know my path; *in the way wherein I walk they have hidden a trap for me.

4I look to my right hand and find no one who knows me; *I have no place to flee to, and no one cares for me.

5I cry out to you, O Lord; *I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

6Listen to my cry for help, for I have been brought very low; *save me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.

Then, all standing, the Deacon or Minister appointed reads the Gospel, first saying

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

The Gospel

John 5:24-27

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

24 Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 “Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; 27 and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.

The Gospel

John 6:37-40

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; 38 for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”

The Gospel

John 10:11-16

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

The Gospel

John 11:21-27

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”

The Gospel

John 14:1-6

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

The Gospel

Matthew 5:1-10

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Gospel

Matthew 18:1-5, 10-14

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a child, whom he put among them, 3 and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 10 “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. 12 What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

The Gospel

Mark 10:13-16

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

The Gospel

Matthew 19:13-15

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

13 Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

The Gospel

Luke 18:15-17

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. 16 But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”

The Gospel

John 10:11-16

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

The Gospel

John 10:11-16

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

At the end of the Gospel, the Reader says

The Gospel of the Lord.

PeoplePraise to you, Lord Christ.

Here there may be a homily by the Celebrant, or a member of the family, or a friend.

The Sermon

5. A homily may follow the Readings, and the Apostles’ Creed may be recited.

The Apostles’ Creed may then be said, all standing. The Celebrant may introduce the Creed with these or similar words

In the assurance of eternal life given at Baptism, let us proclaim our faith and say,

Celebrant and People

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

If there is not to be a Communion, the Lord’s Prayer is said here, and the service continues with the Prayers of the People, or with one or more suitable prayers (see pages 503-505).

The service continues with the Prayers. If the Eucharist is not celebrated, the Lord’s Prayer concludes the intercessions.

When there is a Communion, the following form of the Prayers of the People is used, or else the form on page 465 or 480.

The Prayers of the People

Prayers

The Deacon or other person appointed says

For our brother (sister) N., let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ who said, “I am Resurrection and I am Life.” Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw near to us who mourn for N., and dry the tears of those who weep.
Hear us, Lord.

In the peace of God, let us pray, responding “O God, have mercy.” In the assurance of your mercy, in thanksgiving for the life of your child N., and in confident expectation of the resurrection to eternal life, we pray
O God, have mercy

For the Deceased

6. Prayer, including the Lord’s Prayer, is offered for the deceased, for those who mourn, and for the Christian community, remembering the promises of God in Christ about eternal life.

You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend; comfort us in our sorrow.
Hear us, Lord.

Remember N.’s parents, N. N. Help them to hold each other in their hearts, that this sorrow may draw them together and not tear them apart, we pray
O God, have mercy

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to your never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

You raised the dead to life; give to our brother (sister) eternal life.
Hear us, Lord.

Remember N.’s brother(s) N., N. and sister(s) N., N., that they/he/she may be enfolded in love, comforted in fear, honored in their/his/her grief, and kept safe, we pray
O God, have mercy

Into your hands, O God, we commend our brother, N., as into the hands of a faithful Creator and most loving Savior. In your infinite goodness, wisdom, and power, work in him the merciful purpose of your perfect will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

You promised paradise to the thief who repented; bring our brother (sister) to the joys of heaven.
Hear us, Lord.

Remember all the family and friends of N., that they may know the consolation of your love, and may hold N. in their love all the days of their lives, we pray
O God, have mercy

For those who mourn

Our brother (sister) was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit; give him fellowship with all your saints.
Hear us, Lord.

Support them in their grief, and be present to all who mourn, we pray
O God, have mercy

O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother (sister), N. We thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us quiet confidence that we may continue our course in faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

He was nourished with your Body and Blood; grant him a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom.
Hear us, Lord.

Teach us to be patient and gentle with ourselves and each other as we grieve, we pray
O God, have mercy

O merciful Father, you have taught us in your holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve your children: Look with pity upon the sorrows of your servants for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother (sister); let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.
Hear us, Lord.

Help us to know and accept that we will be reunited at your heavenly banquet, we pray
O God, have mercy

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Silence may be kept.

Finally, our God, help us become co-creators of a world in which children are happy, healthy, loved and do not know want or hunger, we pray
O God, have mercy

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding, deal graciously with N.N. in their grief. Surround them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Celebrant concludes with one of the following or some other prayer

The Minister concludes the prayers with this Collect

For the Christian community

Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother (sister) N., who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that his death may recall to us your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father’s love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. Amen.

Father of all, we pray to you for N., and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Compassionate God, your ways are beyond our understanding, and your love for those whom you create is greater by far than ours; comfort all who grieve for this child N. Give them the faith to endure the wilderness of bereavement and bring them in the fullness of time to share with N. the light and joy of your eternal presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

When there is no Communion, the service continues with the Commendation, or with the Committal.

When the Eucharist is not to be celebrated, the service continues with the Commendation or with the Committal.

At the Eucharist.

At the Eucharist

The service continues with the Peace and the Offertory.

8. If there is a Communion, it precedes the commendation, and begins with the Peace and Offertory of the Eucharist. Any of the authorized eucharistic prayers may be used.

In place of the usual postcommunion prayer, the following is said

Almighty God, we thank you that in your great love you have fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ, and have given us a foretaste of your heavenly banquet. Grant that this Sacrament may be to us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge of our inheritance in that kingdom where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying, but the fullness of joy with all your saints; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

If the body is not present, the service continues with the (blessing and) dismissal.

Unless the Committal follows immediately in the church, the following Commendation is used.

The Commendation

7. The deceased is commended to God, and the body is committed to its resting place. The committal may take place either where the preceding service has been held, or at the graveside.

The Celebrant and other ministers take their places at the body.

This anthem, or some other suitable anthem, or a hymn, may be sung or said.

Give rest, O Christ, to your servant(s) with your saints,
where sorrow and pain are no more,
neither sighing, but life everlasting.

You only are immortal, the creator and maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” All of us go down to the dust, yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Give rest, O Christ, to your servant(s) with your saints,
where sorrow and pain are no more,
neither sighing, but life everlasting.

Give rest, O Christ, to your servant(s) with your saints,
where sorrow and pain are no more,
neither sighing, but life everlasting.

You only are immortal, the creator and maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” All of us go down to the dust, yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Give rest, O Christ, to your servant(s) with your saints,
where sorrow and pain are no more,
neither sighing, but life everlasting.

The Celebrant, facing the body, says

The minister, facing the body, says

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant N. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

We commend N. to the mercy of God, our maker, redeemer, and comforter. Amen.

N., our companion in faith and fellow child of Christ, we entrust you to God. Go forth from this world in the love of God who created you, in the mercy of Jesus who died for you, in the power of the Holy Spirit who receives and protects you. May you rest in peace and rise in glory, where pain and grief are banished, and life and joy are yours for ever. Amen.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant N. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

The Celebrant, or the Bishop if present, may then bless the people, and a Deacon or other Minister may dismiss them, saying

The Blessing and Dismissal follow.

Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

As the body is borne from the church, a hymn, or one or more of these anthems may be sung or said

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and giving life to those in the tomb.

The Sun of Righteousness is gloriously risen, giving light to those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death.

The Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace, having taken away the sin of the world.

Christ will open the kingdom of heaven to all who believe in his Name, saying, Come, O blessed of my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you.

Into paradise may the angels lead you. At your coming may the martyrs receive you, and bring you into the holy city Jerusalem.

16

The Song of Zechariah

Benedictus Dominus Deus

Luke 1: 68-79

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, *from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

To give his people knowledge of salvation *by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

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.

17

The Song of Simeon

Nunc Dimittis

Luke 2:29-32

Lord, you now have set your servant free *to go in peace as you have promised;

For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *whom you have prepared for all the world to see:

A Light to enlighten the nations, *and the glory of your people Israel.

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.

Christ our Passover

Pascha Nostrum

1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Romans 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

Alleluia. Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; * therefore let us keep the feast,

Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, *but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.

Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; *death no longer has dominion over him.

The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; *but the life he lives, he lives to God.

So also consider yourselves dead to sin, *and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.

Christ has been raised from the dead, *the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

For since by a man came death, * by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, *so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.

The Committal

The following anthem or one of those on pages 491-492 is sung or said

One or more of the following anthems is sung or said

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us.

Everyone the Father gives to me will come to me; I will never turn away anyone who believes in me.

They are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on his throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.Revelation 7:15-17

You only are immortal, the creator and maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

He who raised Jesus Christ from the dead will also give new life to our mortal bodies through his indwelling Spirit. My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest in hope.

See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away. Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.Revelation 21: 3b-4, 7

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us.

You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

Before the following prayer, the coffin may be lowered into the grave.

Then, while earth is cast upon the coffin, the Celebrant says these words

Then, while earth is cast upon the coffin, the minister says these words

In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother N., and we commit his body to the ground;* earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make his face to shine upon him and be gracious to him, the Lord lift up his countenance upon him and give him peace. Amen.

* Or the deep, or the elements, or its resting place.

Then shall be sung or said

Jesus said to his friends, “You have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”John 16:22

The Celebrant says

Then the minister says

The Lord be with you.

PeopleAnd also with you.

CelebrantLet us pray.

The Lord be with you.

PeopleAnd also with you.

MinisterLet us pray.

Celebrant and People

Loving God, we stand before you in pain and sadness. You gave the gift of new life, and now it has been taken from us. Hear the cry of our hearts for the pain of our loss. Be with us as we struggle to understand the mystery of life and death. Receive N. in the arms of your mercy, to live in your gracious and eternal love, and help us to commit ourselves to your tender care. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

God, you have loved us into being. Hear our cries at our loss of N. Move us from the shadow of death into the light of your love and peace in the name of Mary’s child, Jesus the risen one. Amen.

Here one or more of the additional prayers may be said. Then the Lord’s Prayer may be said.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

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. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,

Officiant and People

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

Officiant and People

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. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Other prayers may be added.

Then may be said.

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord;
And let light perpetual shine upon him.

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

The Blessing follows.

The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant: Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Celebrant dismisses the people with these words

The service concludes with this Dismissal

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

PeopleThe Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

CelebrantLet us go forth in the name of Christ.

PeopleThanks be to God.

The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant: Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so will it be for those who have died: God will bring them to life with Jesus. Alleluia.

Go in peace in the name of Christ.

The Consecration of a Grave

If the grave is in a place that has not previously been set apart for Christian burial, the Priest may use the following prayer, either before the service of Committal or at some other convenient time

O God, whose blessed Son was laid in a sepulcher in the garden: Bless, we pray, this grave, and grant that he whose body is (is to be) buried here may dwell with Christ in paradise, and may come to your heavenly kingdom; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Additional Prayers

Note:

The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised.

The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.

✕