Prayer for the Dying
We Pentecostals are good at praying for God's healing of the sick. But sometimes we need help to pray for those we love in the last moments of their pilgrimage here below, when the time has come not to pray for healing but to commend our dear brother or sister in Christ to the Lord in the hour of death. Often the Lord leads us in these times by His Spirit and our knowledge of His Word. Yet sometimes we can find ourselves at a loss to know how to pray. So here are some prayers to help us in such difficult times, when we really do need to pray (drawn and adapted from the wisdom of Christians who have gone before us).
O Saviour of the World, by Your cross and precious blood You have redeemed us: guard your servant and help [him], we humbly pray, O Lord.
O Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world: have mercy on [him] and grant [him] Your peace.
O Eternal God, who gave Your Son the Lord Jesus to die for our sins, have mercy on Your servant, and cleanse [his] soul by the precious blood of Jesus, from all the defilements of this earthly life, and present [him] faultless before the presence of Your glory with exceeding joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God our Heavenly Father, whose Son Jesus Christ committed His spirit into Your hands in trust at the hour of death: we humbly commend the soul of Your servant into Your gracious care and keeping. Be with [him], as You have promised, through the valley of the shadow of death: show [him] the path of life, for in Your presence there is fullness of joy, and at Your right hand there are pleasures forever more. Embrace [him] with the arms of Your mercy and give [him] an inheritance with Your saints in light and joy and glory. Receive [his] spirit and open to [him] the gates of everlasting life: through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. Amen.
Eternal Father, You alone decide concerning life and death. Be gracious and merciful to your servant, whose death seems imminent. Keep [him] in Your grace, and prepare [him] to commit [himself] to your eternal care and keeping. Give [him] a repentant heart, steadfast faith, and living hope. Do not let the fear of death cause [him] to waver in [his] trust in You. Grant [him] a peaceful departure, at Your chosen time, and a joyful entrance into everlasting life with the glorious company of all Your saints: through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Almighty and faithful God, comfort and strengthen your servant in Your great mercy. Help [him] in all discomfort and distress. In Your good time, take [him] to Yourself in Your kingdom, for you have redeemed [him] through the precious blood of Jesus. Amen.
I live to You, Lord Jesus;
I die to You, Lord Jesus;
I belong to You, Lord Jesus;
Whether I live or die,
Save me and take me on high. Amen.