Commontide

Preparation for Personal Prayer

Holy Spirit, breath of God and fire of love, I cannot pray without your aid: Kindle in me the fire of your love, and illumine me with your light; that with a steadfast will and holy thoughts I may approach the Father in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who reigns with you and the Father in eternal union. Amen.

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Commontide
Collect
Prayers

The Burial of the Dead — Opening Collect

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding: deal graciously with those who mourn [especially _________]. 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.

Found in the Prayer Book

This prayer appears in more than one place in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer.

  • Prayers For A VigilMinistry to the Sick & Dying
  • Burial Of The DeadThe Burial of the Dead

Provenance

ECUSA 1979

Draft — AI-assisted research under editorial review.

A modern prayer for the bereaved, composed for the Episcopal Church's 1979 prayer book to comfort those who mourn, especially at the burial of a child. It asks God to surround the grieving with love and give them strength for the days ahead.