The Mystery of Death and Christian Funerals - #10

This week's column continues the sampling of prayers for the dead that we use at a funeral Mass.

39. For one who died after a long illness: God of deliverance, you called our brother/sister (N.) to serve you in weakness and pain, and gave him/her the grace of sharing the cross of your Son. Reward his/her patience and forbearance, and grant him/her the fullness of Christ's victory. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

40. For one who died after a long illness: Most faithful God, lively in the courage of those who hope in you. Your servant (N.) suffered greatly but placed his/her trust in your mercy. Confident that the petition of those who mourn pierces the clouds and finds an answer, we beg you, give rest to (N.). Do not remember his/her sins but look upon his/her sufferings and grant him/her refreshment, light and peace. We ask this...

41. For one who died after a long illness: O God, you and water for our thirst and manna in our desert. We praise you for the life of (N.) and bless your mercy that has brought his/her suffering to an end. Now we beg the same endless mercy to raise him/her to new life. Nourished by the food and drink of heaven, may he/she rest forever in the joy of Christ our Lord, Amen.

42. For one who died suddenly: Lord, as we mourn the sudden death of our brother/sister , show us the immense power of your goodness and strengthen our belief that (N.) has entered into your presence. We ask this....

43. For one who died accidentally or violently: Lord our God, you are always faithful and quick to show mercy. Our brother/sister (N.) was suddenly (and violently) taken from us. Come swiftly to his/her aid, have mercy on him/her, and comfort his/her family and friends by the power and protection of the cross. We ask this....

44. For one who died by suicide: God, lover of souls, you hold dear what you have made and spare all things, for they are yours. Look gently on your servant (N.), and by the blood of the cross forgive his/her sins and failings. Remember the faith of those who mourn and satisfy their longing for that day when all be made new again in Christ, our risen Lord, who lives and reigns with you forever and ever, Amen.

45. The hardest funeral Mass I ever presided at was for a father, his married son, and his teenage daughter who were killed in a car crash. Several persons: O Lord, you gave life to (N. and N.) in the waters of baptism; show mercy to them now, and bring them to happiness of life in your kingdom. We ask this....

46. Several persons: All-powerful God, whose mercy is never withheld from those who call upon you in hope, look kindly on your servants (N. and N.), who departed this life confessing your name and number them among your saints for evermore. We ask this through Christ our Lord Amen.