The following are some of the prayers that may be recited with the dying person, alternating with times of silence. Sometimes, the same prayer should be repeated many times. When the dying person cannot take part, those who are present continue to pray. The Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be are appropriate. The dying person may be signed on the forehead with the cross, as was done at baptism.
A priest or clergy person may be called. Anointing of the Sick, the Sacrament of God's strength, healing and forgiveness may be given. The entire family may join with the priest as the person is Anointed. This Sacrament is not just given when death is imminent, but when the person has a serious condition and is in need of that healing. The Sacrament may be given again as the illness enters another stage, as surgery is anticipated or when death seems nearer.
The sick or dying person may be signed on the forehead with the cross, as was done at Baptism.
Short Texts
What will separate us from the love of Christ? Romans 8:35
Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. Romans 14:8
We shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17
To you I lift up my soul, O Lord. Psalm 25:1
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
Even though I walk in the dark valley,
I fear no evil; for you are at my side. Psalm 23:4
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Psalm 31:5a
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Luke 23:42
Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Acts 7:59
Holy Mary, pray for me.
Saint Joseph, Pray for me.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
assist me in my last agony.
Scripture Readings
Among many appropriate scripture readings are the following: Job 19:23-27; Psalm 23, Psalm 25, Psalm 91; Psalm 121; 1 John 4:16; Revelation 21:1-7; Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 22:39-46; Luke 23:44-49; Luke 24:1-8; John 6:37-40; John 14:1 6, 23, 27.
Prayers of Commendation
As the time of death approaches, this prayer may be
said.
Go forth, Christian soul, from this world
in the name of God the almighty Father, who created you,
in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who suffered for you,
in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you,
May you live in peace this day,
may your home be with God in Zion,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with Joseph and all the angels and saints.
Prayers after Death
The following prayers may be prayed immediately after
death
and may be repeated in the hours that follow.
Saints of God, come to his/her aid!
Come to meet him/her, angels of the Lord!
[Response] Receive his/her soul and present him/her to God the Most High.
May Christ, who called you, take you to himself;
may angels lead you to Abraham's side. [Response]
Receive . . .
Give him/her eternal rest, O Lord,
and may your light shine on him/her for ever. [Response] Receive . . .
Let us Pray.
All-powerful and merciful God,
we commend to you, N., your servant.
In your mercy and love,
blot out all the sins he/she has committed through human weakness.
In this world he/ she has died: let him/her live with you for ever.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN.
These verses may also be used.
V/.
Eternal rest grant unot him/her, O Lord.
R/.
And let perpetual light shine upon him/her.
V/. May he/she rest in peace.
R/. Amen.
V/. May
his/her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R/. Amen.
These prayers can also be found in "Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers," a book of prayers by the Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Catholic Conference, Inc. Washington, D.C. ©1988 This appears on the Web Site, Father Pat's Place.