35 Catholic prayers for burial, followed by real-life stories, Bible stories, comments by people, 10 Bible verses, 10 prophetic declarations, 10 prayer points, and a meditation writeup. All prayers are sourced from traditional Catholic practices, particularly those relevant to funerals and burial rites, as found in resources like the USCCB and other Catholic liturgical texts. Real-life stories and comments are inspired by common experiences and reflections shared in Catholic communities, while Bible stories and verses are drawn from relevant scriptures. Prophetic declarations and prayer points are crafted to align with Catholic theology and funeral themes.

Top 35 Catholic Prayers for Burial

Our Father
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. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Eternal Rest Prayer
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Prayer for the Dead (USCCB)
God, our Creator and Redeemer, by your power Christ conquered death and returned to you in glory. May all your people who have gone before us in faith share his victory and enjoy the vision of your glory forever, where Christ lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Hail Holy Queen
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Prayer at the Time of Death (USCCB)
Go forth, Christian soul, from this world in the name of God the almighty Father, who created you, in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who suffered for you, in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you. May you live in peace this day, may your home be with God in Zion, with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, with Joseph, and all the angels and saints.
Psalm 23 Prayer
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Prayer for the Grieving Family
Lord Jesus, you wept at the death of your friend Lazarus. Comfort us in our sorrow, and grant us the strength to bear this loss. May we find hope in your promise of eternal life, and may the soul of our loved one rest in your peace. Amen.
Prayer for Mercy
Merciful Lord, you know the pain of loss and the sorrow of death. Grant mercy to your servant [name], and forgive any sins they may have committed. Welcome them into your heavenly kingdom with open arms. Amen.
Litany for the Faithful Departed
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. Saint Michael, pray for us. Saint Peter, pray for us. All you saints of God, pray for us. For the souls of the faithful departed, we pray to you, O Lord. Deliver them from all their sins, we pray to you, O Lord. Grant them eternal rest, we pray to you, O Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Forgiveness
O God, whose mercy is boundless, look kindly upon your servant [name], and forgive them their sins. Through the merits of Jesus Christ, grant them eternal rest and peace. Amen.
Prayer for the Resurrection
Almighty God, through the death and resurrection of your Son, you have overcome death. Grant that [name] may rise with Christ and share in the glory of eternal life. Amen.
Commendation Prayer (Rite II)
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant [name]. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive them into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
Prayer for the Bereaved
Heavenly Father, you are close to the brokenhearted. Comfort those who mourn the loss of [name], and fill their hearts with your peace that surpasses understanding. Amen.
Angelus Prayer
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived by the Holy Spirit. (Hail Mary…) Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to thy word. (Hail Mary…) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. (Hail Mary…) Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Eternal Life
O Lord, grant to [name] the reward of eternal life, and let them rejoice in the company of your saints forever. Amen.
Prayer for the Faithful Departed
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of your servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through our devout prayers, they may obtain the pardon they have always desired. Amen.
Prayer of St. Augustine
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest your weary ones. Bless your dying ones. Soothe your suffering ones. Pity your afflicted ones. Shield your joyous ones. And all for your love’s sake. Amen.
Prayer for Peace
Lord Jesus, you said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” Grant peace to [name] in your eternal kingdom, and console those who mourn with the hope of resurrection. Amen.
Prayer for the Soul’s Journey
Lord God, guide the soul of [name] to your heavenly kingdom. May your angels lead them into paradise, and may the martyrs receive them at their coming. Amen.
Prayer for Hope
O God, our hope and strength, grant that we may hold fast to the promise of eternal life. May [name] rest in your love, and may we find comfort in your mercy. Amen.
Prayer of the Rosary (Fatima Prayer)
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Prayer for the Church Triumphant
O God, we pray for [name], that they may join the Church Triumphant in heaven, worshipping you with all the saints and angels forever. Amen.
Prayer for the Mourners
Lord, you are the resurrection and the life. Comfort those who mourn [name], and grant them strength to continue their journey in faith. Amen.
Prayer for God’s Mercy
Merciful Father, look upon [name] with love, and through your infinite mercy, grant them eternal rest in your presence. Amen.
Prayer for the Saints’ Intercession
O Lord, may the saints and angels intercede for [name], that they may be welcomed into your heavenly kingdom. Amen.
Prayer for the Body
Lord, you formed [name] in your image and likeness. Receive their body into the earth and their soul into your eternal embrace. Amen.
Prayer for the Committal
We commend [name] to you, O Lord, trusting in your promise that those who believe in you will live forever. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Prayer of Trust
Lord Jesus, we trust in your promise that you have prepared a place for us. Welcome [name] into your heavenly home. Amen.
Prayer for the Faithful
O God, grant to [name] and all the faithful departed the joy of your presence and the peace of your kingdom. Amen.
Prayer for the Resurrection Hope
Lord, you raised Lazarus from the dead. Raise [name] to new life in your kingdom, where there is no more sorrow or pain. Amen.
Prayer for God’s Light
May the light of your countenance, O Lord, shine upon [name], and may they dwell in your everlasting light. Amen.
Prayer for the Holy Souls
O Lord, deliver the souls of all the faithful departed from the pains of hell, and grant them a place of refreshment, light, and peace. Amen.
Prayer of Commendation (Short Form)
Into your hands, Father of mercies, we commend our brother/sister [name], in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection. Amen.

Real-Life Stories

A Family’s Comfort in Prayer
When Maria’s father passed away unexpectedly, the family gathered at the funeral home, feeling overwhelmed by grief. The priest led them in reciting the Eternal Rest Prayer and Psalm 23. Maria later shared, “Those prayers gave us a sense of peace, like Dad was being carried into God’s arms. It was the first moment we felt hope amidst the sorrow.” The communal prayer helped the family focus on their faith and the promise of eternal life.
A Community’s Support
John, a parishioner, lost his wife to a long illness. At her funeral Mass, the congregation prayed the Hail Holy Queen and the Prayer for the Dead. A friend noted, “Seeing everyone join in those ancient prayers made me feel like we were all lifting her soul to heaven together.” The prayers unified the community in supporting John and honoring his wife’s memory.
A Child’s Simple Faith
During a burial service for her grandmother, 8-year-old Emma insisted on reciting the Our Father aloud with the priest. Her mother recalled, “Emma’s little voice was so strong, and it reminded us that even in death, God’s love is simple and real. That prayer brought us all closer.” Emma’s participation showed how Catholic prayers can touch all ages.

Bible Stories

The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44)
Jesus arrived in Bethany to find his friend Lazarus had died. Despite Martha and Mary’s grief, Jesus prayed and called Lazarus from the tomb, showing his power over death. This story reflects the hope of resurrection, often recalled in Catholic burial prayers like the Prayer for the Resurrection.
The Crucifixion and Resurrection (John 19-20)
Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection on the third day are central to Catholic funeral liturgies. The Prayer for the Dead and Eternal Rest Prayer draw on this story, emphasizing Christ’s victory over death and the promise of eternal life for the faithful.
The Widow of Nain’s Son (Luke 7:11-17)
Jesus encountered a widow mourning her only son’s death. Moved with compassion, he raised the young man to life, restoring him to his mother. This story underscores God’s mercy and is reflected in prayers like the Prayer for the Grieving Family, which seeks comfort for those who mourn.

Comments by People

“The Eternal Rest Prayer at my mother’s funeral felt like a bridge between her life and heaven. It was so comforting.” – Anna, 42
“Reciting Psalm 23 together made me feel God was walking with us through the pain of losing my brother.” – Michael, 35
“I didn’t know many prayers, but the Hail Mary at the graveside felt like Mary herself was praying with us.” – Sarah, 28
“The Prayer for the Dead gave me hope that my dad was in God’s hands, not gone forever.” – David, 50
“Hearing the Hail Holy Queen at the funeral Mass made me feel connected to centuries of Catholics praying for the dead.” – Theresa, 60
“The Prayer for the Grieving Family helped me process my loss and trust in God’s plan.” – James, 45
“The Litany for the Faithful Departed was so powerful; it felt like all the saints were welcoming my aunt to heaven.” – Laura, 33
“Praying the Our Father with everyone at the burial reminded me we’re all part of God’s family, even in death.” – Peter, 39
“The Prayer for Mercy gave me peace knowing God’s love is bigger than any mistakes my friend made.” – Rachel, 29
“The Commendation Prayer was so beautiful; it felt like we were handing my grandfather directly to Jesus.” – Mark, 47

10 Bible Verses

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, 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.
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
John 14:1-3
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
1 Corinthians 15:55
Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.

10 Prophetic Declarations

I declare that [name]’s soul is received into God’s eternal kingdom, where they rest in everlasting peace.
I proclaim that the mercy of God surrounds [name], forgiving their sins and granting them eternal life.
I declare that the angels of God lead [name] into paradise, where they dwell with the saints forever.
I proclaim that the resurrection power of Jesus Christ raises [name] to new life in glory.
I declare that God’s love, which never fails, embraces [name] in the heavenly courts.
I proclaim that [name]’s legacy of faith continues to inspire and bless the living.
I declare that the peace of Christ fills the hearts of those who mourn [name], bringing hope.
I proclaim that [name] rejoices in the presence of God, free from all pain and sorrow.
I declare that the light of God’s countenance shines upon [name], illuminating their eternal home.
I proclaim that the promise of eternal life is fulfilled for [name], who rests in God’s love.

10 Prayer Points

Pray for the soul of [name], that they may find eternal rest in God’s presence.
Ask for God’s mercy to forgive any sins [name] may have committed in life.
Pray for the family and friends of [name], that they may find comfort in their grief.
Ask for the intercession of Mary and the saints to guide [name]’s soul to heaven.
Pray for the hope of resurrection to strengthen all who mourn [name].
Ask God to grant [name] a place among the angels and saints in paradise.
Pray for peace in the hearts of those gathered at [name]’s burial.
Ask for the Church to continue supporting the bereaved through prayer and community.
Pray for [name]’s legacy to inspire faith and love in others.
Ask God to prepare all believers for their own journey to eternal life.

Meditation Writeup: A Reflection on Death and Resurrection

As we stand at the graveside, the weight of loss can feel overwhelming, yet the Catholic funeral liturgy invites us into a sacred space of hope and trust. Through the prayers we offer—Eternal Rest, Psalm 23, Hail Holy Queen—we are reminded that death is not the end but a passage to eternal life. Imagine Jesus standing with Martha and Mary at Lazarus’ tomb, his tears mingling with theirs, yet his voice proclaiming, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). This is the heart of our faith: Christ has conquered death, and those who believe in him will live forever.

Meditate on the image of a seed buried in the earth, as St. Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. Just as a seed must die to bring forth new life, so too does the body return to the earth, awaiting the resurrection. Picture the soul of the departed being carried by angels to God’s presence, surrounded by the saints and bathed in divine light. Let the words of Psalm 23 wash over you: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” God is with the departed, and he is with us in our grief.

Reflect on your own life. How does the promise of eternal life shape your daily choices? Consider the legacy of the one who has passed—how their faith, love, or kindness touched others. As you pray the Eternal Rest Prayer, entrust their soul to God’s mercy, and ask for the grace to live with hope, knowing that we are all journeying toward the same eternal home. In this moment of loss, let the Church’s prayers be a lifeline, connecting us to the communion of saints and the promise of resurrection.