Today we’re looking at a selection of the best prayers for funeral cards.
Funeral prayer cards are often given out at the funeral service as a remembrance keepsake.
Families typically print them on attractive card stock and include a photograph of the one remembered, their name and dates, and a prayer. The idea is that each attendee will have a photo keepsake that they can use to inspire prayers in memory of the loved one.
Usually the most difficult question is, what prayer should you print on the memorial cards?
Here’s our take on the best prayers for funeral cards, plus fifty more verses, prayers, and poems ideal for memorial prayer cards.
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The Best Prayer for a Funeral Card
The Lord’s Prayer is the most popular prayer of all time, and it is how Christ taught his disciples how to pray. That is why it is one of the best prayers for funeral cards or prayer cards.
We’ll provide it here in the traditional King James Version:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Urns Made in the USA
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, the power and the glory. for ever and ever.
Amen.
Matthew 6:9–13
Popular Poems & Prayers for Funeral Cards
Funeral cards don’t always or necessarily feature prayers. Many families choose to use a poem, an encouraging message, or a quote.
Popular readings include John Donne’s timeless Death Be Not Proud or the sentimental God’s Garden poem. For Catholic prayer cards, the Glorious St. Anthony and O Virgin of Virgins (the Memorare) are often chosen.
Another classic is the Footprints in the Sand poem (of disputed authorship), which speaks of two sets of footprints merging into one set of footprints where God carried the suffering individual.
You’ll find some of the most beloved Christian funeral prayers below, along with non-prayer quotes, Bible verses, and inspirational messages.
Traditional Prayers for Prayer Cards
Here is a selection of traditional prayers often used for funeral cards.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil;
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
A Short Funeral Prayer from the Psalms
When I call to you, I am certain that “you are my God” (Ps. 31:14), and that you are the one who has “delivered my soul from death” (Ps. 56:13).
Committal Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer
Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take unto himself the soul of our dear brother here departed: we therefore commit his body to the ground;
earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be like unto his glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself.
Thanksgiving Funeral Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer
Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of them that depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity:
We give thee hearty thanks, for that it hath pleased thee to deliver this our brother out of the miseries of this sinful world; beseeching thee that it may please thee, of thy gracious goodness, shortly to accomplish the number of thine elect, and to hasten thy kingdom;
that we, with all those that are departed in the true faith of thy holy Name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm 73:23-26
I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Peace Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi
Merciful Father
Merciful Father and Lord of all life,
we praise you that we are made in your image
and reflect your truth and light.
We thank you for the life of your child [loved one’s name],
for the love she received from you and showed among us.
Above all, we rejoice at your gracious promise
to all your servants, living and departed,
that we shall rise again at the coming of Christ.
And we ask that in due time
we may share with our sister that clearer vision,
when we shall see your face in the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Come and Dine
“Come and dine,” the Master calleth, “Come and dine”;
You may feast at Jesus’ table all the time;
He Who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,
To the hungry calleth now,“Come and dine.”
C.B. Widmeyer
A Spiritual Sigh
John 11:25-26; Job 19:25-26; Matthew 25:34
O Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life, in whom anyone who believes shall live, though he were dead: I believe that whoever lives and believes in you shall never die.
I know that I shall rise again in the resurrection of the last day, for I am sure that you, my Redeemer, lives; and though after my death worms shall destroy this body, yet I know that I shall see you, my Lord and my God, in this flesh.
Grant, therefore, O Christ, for the sake of your bitter death and passion, that on that day I may be one to whom you pronounce that joyful sentence, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Adapted from Lewis Bayly, The Practice of Piety
A Prayer for Illumination
O Lord Jesus Christ, illuminate my mind to understand with exceeding joy the Father’s eternal love, the sure provisions of the covenant of grace, and all the glories of Your finished work.
May He give me faith to see my name engraved on Your heart—my soul and body assuredly redeemed by Your blood—my life of sinfulness gloriously covered by Your life of pure obedience. Amen.
Henry Law
God’s Promise
God never promised a life without pain,
Laughter without tears or sun without rain.
But He did promise His strength for the day,
Comfort for our tears and His light for the way,
And all who believe in Christ and His love,
He leads to eternal rest up above.
Into Your Hands
Into your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brother [loved one’s name]. In this life you embraced him with your tender love; deliver him now from every evil and bid him enter eternal rest.
The old order has passed away: welcome him then into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, nor weeping, nor pain, but the fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.
Celtic Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you;
May the wind be always at your back;
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
May the rains fall soft upon your fields;
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lord God, I give you thanks for all the benefits and gifts you constantly shower on me. Thank you for sustaining my physical life through food and shelter; for giving me new life through the gospel; and for the certainty of the best and perfect life, which is yet to come.
In light of all these blessings, I now ask that you would not allow my affections to be tangled in inordinate desires for the things of this world, but let me always set my heart on things above, where Christ, who is my life, is seated at your right hand. Hear me, merciful Father, by our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
John Calvin
A Hymn from Psalm 90
Through every age, eternal God,
Thou art our rest, our safe abode;
High was thy throne ere heav’n was made,
Or earth thy humble footstool laid.
Long hadst thou reigned ere time began,
Or dust was fashioned to a man;
And long thy kingdom shall endure
When earth and time shall be no more.
But man, weak man, is born to die,
Made up of guilt and vanity;
Thy dreadful sentence, Lord, was just,
“Return, ye sinners, to your dust.”
Teach us, O Lord, how frail is man;
And kindly lengthen out our span,
Till a wise care of piety
Fit us to die, and dwell with thee.
Isaac Watts
Prayer of St. Jude
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Jude 1:24–25
A Prayer of Living Hope
1 Peter 1:3-6
Most blessed God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, your great mercy has given us new life and a true hope through the resurrection of Christ. This living hope leads to an inheritance in heaven that is eternal, pure, and perfectly kept for us by your power.
Because of this hope, we rejoice and find comfort even in our trials. Thank you for raising Jesus from the dead and showing mercy to sinners like us. Fill us with joy and peace in believing. Help us be living examples of this transformative hope and share it with others.
As we remember our departed loved one, grant us solace, knowing that, by faith, their hope has been fulfilled in your presence. May we find peace and comfort in your grace as we celebrate their memory. Amen.
Final Prayer
God our Father, by raising Christ your Son, you destroyed the power of death and opened for us the way to eternal life. As we remember before you, our brother/sister [name], we ask your help for all who shall gather in his/her memory.
Grant us the assurance of your presence and grace by the Spirit you have given us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Related: 10 Biblical Funeral Prayers for Christians
Short Prayers for Funeral Cards
Use or adapt these short Scripture verses as prayers for funeral cards to remember your loved one by, honor their life, and encourage mourners to pray.
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Luke 24:46–47
Jesus said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations.”
Acts 7:59
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Thank you, O Lord, that you receive the spirits of all who place their trust in you.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Job 19:25–27
For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
Philippians 1:21
O Lord, you are my life, and I believe that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Romans 14:8–9
None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to you, O Lord, and if we die, we die to you, O Lord.
So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are yours. For to this end our Savior died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. We humbly thank you and praise you for the hope we have in Christ.
A Prayer from Philippians 1
“My desire is to depart and be with Christ.” Nevertheless, it is necessary that we remain on this earth until you, O Lord, call us home. So our prayer is that, as our dearly departed showed us by example, our manner of life would be worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Hebrews 12:20–21
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will,
working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.
Amen.
Related: 50 Comforting Sympathy Prayers for Loss of a Loved One
Encouraging Messages for Funeral Cards
Not all funeral cards feature prayers; some include inspiring messages, a favorite saying, a Scripture, or simply a photo of the loved one with an “In loving memory” quote.
Here we have some encouraging messages for funeral cards that focus on God’s mercy and the firm hope of the resurrection.
More Alive Than Ever
The funeral programs say that [name] is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it!
At this moment he is more alive than when you last spoke with him; he has gone up higher, out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal — a body that death cannot touch, that sin cannot taint; a body fashioned like unto His glorious body.
Adapted from D.L. Moody
Funeral of Our Sorrows
We spend our years with sighing; it is a valley of tears; but death is the funeral of all our sorrows.
Thomas Watson
Life Begins and Ends with Grace
It is grace at the beginning, and grace at the end. So that when you and I come to lie upon our deathbeds, the one thing that should comfort and help and strengthen us there is the thing that helped us in the beginning.
Not what we have been, not what we have done, but the Grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. The Christian life starts with grace, it must continue with grace, it ends with grace. Grace wondrous grace. By the grace of God I am what I am. Yet not I, but the Grace of God which was with me.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones
A Funeral and a Resurrection
A Christian knows that death shall be the funeral of all his sins, his sorrows, his afflictions, his temptations, his vexations, his oppressions, his persecutions. He knows that death shall be the resurrection of all his hopes, his joys, his delights, his comforts, his contentments.
Thomas Brooks
Never the Last Thing
The resurrection of Jesus means the worst thing is never the last thing.
Frederick Buechner
Honor Christ in Death
The way we honor Christ in death is to treasure Jesus above the gift of life, and the way we honor Christ in life is to treasure Jesus above life’s gifts.
John Piper
Not Buried, Only Sown
As I go into a cemetery I like to think of the time when the dead shall rise from their graves.
…Thank God, our friends are not buried; they are only sown!
D.L. Moody
Death Is Just Another Path, One We All Must Take
PIPPIN: I didn’t think it would end this way.
GANDALF: End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The gray rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it.
PIPPIN: What? Gandalf? See what?
GANDALF: White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.
PIPPIN: Well, that isn’t so bad.
GANDALF: No. No, it isn’t.
The Lord of the Rings (film)
Head in Heaven
He whose head is in heaven need not fear to put his feet into the grave.
Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry’s Final Note
The Puritan Matthew Henry wrote the following passage, which was found after his death, titled Weep Not for Me.
Weep Not for Me
Would you know where I am? I am at home in my Father’s house—in the mansion Jesus prepared for me there. I am where I want to be; where I have long and often desired to be. I am no longer on a stormy sea, but in a safe and quiet harbor. My working time is done — I am resting! My sowing time is done — I am reaping! My joy is as the joy of harvest!
Would you know how it is with me? I am perfect in holiness; grace is swallowed up in glory!
Would you know what I am doing? I see God; I see Him as He is; not as through a glass darkly, but face to face. The sight is transforming, it makes me like Him! I am in the sweet enjoyment of my blessed Redeemer, whom my soul loved, and for whose sake I was willing to part with all.
I am here bathing myself at the spring-head of heavenly pleasures and unutterable joys; and, therefore, weep not for me. I am here singing hallelujahs incessantly to Him who sits upon the throne, and rest not day or night from praising Him!
Would you know what company I have? Blessed company — better than the best on earth; here are holy angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect. I am here with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of God; with blessed Paul, and Peter, and James, and John, and all the saints.
And, lastly, would you consider how long this is to continue? It is a garland that never withers; a crown of glory that never fades away; after millions of millions of ages, it will be as fresh as it is now; and, therefore, weep not for me!
Hymns, Poems, and Prayers for Funeral Cards
Hymns are classic Christians expressions of faith, often written as prayers to God. Though typically set to music and sung, Christians throughout the ages have found hope even in the saddest times by praying the words of hymns such as these.
So make use of these hymns by using them as prayers for funeral cards. Put them in funeral programs to sing at memorial services, and print them on funeral cards to pray to your heavenly Father at the close of day.
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto me and rest;
lay down, O weary one,
lay down your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad;
I found in him a resting place,
and he has made me glad.
Be Thou My Vision
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Now Let Our Mournful Songs Record
Now let our mournful songs record
The dying sorrows of our Lord,
When He complained in tears and blood,
As one forsaken of his God.
But God, the Father, heard His cry;
Raised from the dead, He reigns on high;
The nations learn His righteousness,
And humble sinners taste His grace.
Safely Home
I am home in heaven, dear ones;
oh, so happy and so bright!
There is a perfect joy and
beauty in the everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
safely home in heaven at last.
There is work still waiting for you,
so you must not idly stand,
do it now, while life remaineth–
you shall rest in God’s own land.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you home;
oh, the rapture of that meeting
oh, the joy to see you come!
Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul
Dear refuge of my weary soul,
On Thee, when sorrows rise,
On Thee, when waves of trouble roll,
My fainting hope relies.
To Thee I tell each rising grief,
For Thou alone canst heal;
Thy Word can bring a sweet relief
For every pain I feel.
On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand
On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand,
and cast a wishful eye
to Canaan’s fair and happy land,
where my possessions lie.
Refrain:
I am bound for the promised land,
I am bound for the promised land;
oh, who will come and go with me?
I am bound for the promised land.
O’er all those wide extended plains
shines one eternal day;
there God the Son forever reigns,
and scatters night away. [Refrain]
No chilling winds or poisonous breath
can reach that healthful shore;
sickness and sorrow, pain and death,
are felt and feared no more. [Refrain]
This Is My Father’s World
This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
My Shepherd, you supply my need,
most holy is your name;
in pastures fresh you make me feed,
beside the living stream.
You bring my wand’ring spirit back.
when I forsake your ways;
you lead me, for your mercy’s sake,
in paths of truth and grace.
When through the shades of death I walk,
your presence is my stay;
one word of your supporting breath
drives all my fears away.
Your hand in sight of all my foes,
does still my table spread;
my cup with Blessings overflows,
your oil anoints my head.
Your sure provisions gracious God
attend me all my days;
oh, may your house be my abode,
and all my work be praise.
Here would I find a settled rest,
while others go and come;
no more a stranger, nor a guest,
but like a child at home.
Jesus I Am Resting, Resting
Jesus, I am resting, resting
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
as thy beauty fills my soul,
for by thy transforming power,
thou hast made me whole.
All Creatures of Our God and King
And thou, most kind and gentle death,
waiting to hush our final breath,
alleluia, alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
as Christ before that way hath trod,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
It Is Not Death to Die
It is not death to die,–
To leave this weary road,
And, ‘mid the brotherhood on high,
To be at home with God.
It is not death to close
The eye long dimmed by tears,
And wake, in glorious repose
To spend eternal years.
Jesus, thou Prince of life,
Thy chosen cannot die!
Like thee, they conquer in the strife,
To reign with thee on high.
Icelandic Burial Hymn
I know that my Redeemer
Lives crowned upon the throne;
Lord over earth and heaven
He saves, and He alone;
He conquered death by dying
Upon the accursed tree,
And from His death sprang glorious
Eternal life for me.
Christ conquered death by dying —
Jesu, Thy mortal pain
O’erthrew the King of Terrors
And brake the captive’s chain.
What though this earthly body
Obey Death’s dread behest?
The soul soars free rejoicing
To mansions of the blest.
I think upon my Saviour,
I trust His power to keep,
His mighty arm enfolds me
Awaking and in sleep.
Christ is my rock, my courage;
Christ is my soul’s true life;
And Christ (my still heart knows it)
Will bear me through the strife.
Thus in Christ’s name I’m living;
Thus in Christ’s name I’ll die;
I’ll fear not though life’s vigour
From Death’s cold shadow fly.
O Grave, where is thy triumph?
O Death, where is thy sting?
“Come when thou wilt, and welcome!”
Secure in Christ I sing.
More: 21 Christ-Centered Funeral Hymns
Create Your Own Prayer Cards
Use the prayers and quotes above to inspire your own funeral cards. You can design your own using Photoshop, Word, or even Google Docs, include one of the above prayers for funeral cards if you wish, and have it printed at your local print shop.
We also have many lovely templates available for you to personalize with your loved one’s photo, name, birth and death dates, and more. Browse our collection of custom funeral templates here.
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