Top 10 Common Worship Funeral Prayers

A funeral is a sacred time of remembrance, reflection, and comfort. In the Church of England, Common Worship funeral prayers provide a structured yet personal way to honour the deceased and offer hope to those who grieve. Whether chosen by a funeral director, included in a funeral reading, or used as a funeral quote, these prayers help mourners find peace in their faith. 

Below are some of the most meaningful Common Worship funeral prayers, offering solace and reassurance in times of loss.

1. A Prayer for the Departed

“Almighty God, we entrust [Name] into Your eternal care. Receive them into the light of Your presence, grant them peace, and welcome them into Your heavenly home. May they rest in Your love forever. Amen.”

This prayer expresses the deep trust in God’s mercy, asking for His embrace as the deceased enters eternal life. Many funeral services begin with this prayer to set a tone of faith and hope.

2. A Prayer for Comfort in Grief

“Lord, in this time of sorrow, we seek Your presence. Be with us as we mourn, strengthen us when we feel weak, and guide us with Your light when the path feels uncertain. Let Your love surround us, now and always. Amen.”

Grief can feel overwhelming, and this prayer acknowledges that feeling while calling upon God’s comforting presence to provide peace and support.

3. A Prayer of Thanksgiving for a Life Well Lived

“Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the life of [Name]. For their kindness, love, and faithfulness, we praise You. May we cherish their memory and honour their legacy by living with the same grace they showed. Amen.”

Funeral services often include prayers of gratitude, encouraging mourners to reflect on the blessings and joy the deceased brought into their lives.

4. A Prayer for Strength and Hope

“God of all comfort, be with us in our time of loss. Give us strength to bear our sorrow and hope for the days ahead. May we trust in Your promise of eternal life and find peace in knowing that [Name] is safe in Your care. Amen.”

When someone dies, finding hope can be difficult. This prayer reminds mourners of God’s promise of eternal life and the comfort that faith provides.

5. A Prayer for the Family and Friends Left Behind

“Loving God, we lift up those who mourn the loss of [Name]. Surround them with Your love, fill them with Your peace, and grant them courage as they face the future. May their hearts be comforted by the promise of Your everlasting care. Amen.”

Families and friends need support as they grieve. This prayer asks for divine guidance and strength, ensuring that no one feels alone in their sorrow.

6. A Prayer from Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd

“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... Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me...”

One of the most well-known funeral readings, Psalm 23 reassures mourners of God’s protection and presence, even in the darkest times.

7. A Prayer for Eternal Rest

“Eternal God, grant rest to the soul of [Name]. Let perpetual light shine upon them, and may they find joy in Your heavenly kingdom. May we be comforted in knowing they are at peace. Amen.”

This prayer is often used as a funeral quote or closing prayer, offering reassurance that the deceased has found eternal rest.

8. A Prayer for Guidance Through Grief

“Lord, as we navigate this time of loss, guide us with Your wisdom. Help us to lean on one another for support, to find strength in our faith, and to honour [Name]’s life by living with love and kindness. Amen.”

Many funeral directors encourage including prayers like this, as they help mourners find strength in their faith and community.

9. A Prayer for the Hope of Resurrection

“Merciful Father, we trust in Your promise of resurrection. Just as Christ rose from the dead, so too may we find hope that [Name] now rests in Your presence, awaiting the joy of eternal life. Amen.”

For those who believe in life beyond death, this prayer offers great comfort, emphasising resurrection and eternal life.

10. A Closing Prayer of Peace

“God of love, as we say farewell to [Name], fill our hearts with peace. May we take comfort in the love that never fades, in the faith that carries us through sorrow, and in the hope of a joyful reunion one day. Amen.”

This final prayer brings a sense of closure and reassurance, reminding mourners that love and faith endure beyond death.