Prayer Before a Funeral
Jesus said,
Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection and the life; even in death,
anyone who believes in me, will live.' John 11:25
We commend your servant to you, God,
as s/he journeys beyond our sight.
God of all consolation,
in your unending love and mercy you turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life.
Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
by dying for us, conquered death,
and by rising again, restored life.
May we not be afraid of death but desire to be with Christ,
and after our life on earth,
to be with those we love,
where every tear is wiped away and all things are made new.
We ask this through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
New Zealand Prayer Book, pg 823