PRAYER WHEN VISITING A GRAVE
All make the sign of the cross. The leader begins:
Praise be to God our Father, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Blessed be God forever. All respond: Blessed be God forever.
The following Scripture text may be read:
We know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal to heaven. [2 Corinthians 5:1]
I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, not present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 8:38-39]
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Jesus promised to be with those who call upon his name. Trusting in his promise we say:
Sure and certain hope of your faithful dead: R. Be with us, Lord.
Faithful friend in times of sorrow and doubt: R. Be with us, Lord.
Voice that speaks peace to troubled hearts: R. Be with us, Lord.
Beacon of light in moments of darkness: R. Be with us, Lord.
Merciful Redeemer and fountain of forgiveness: R. Be with us, Lord.
Enduring strength of all who mourn: R. Be with us, Lord.
Gentle rest for your pilgrim people: R. Be with us, Lord.
PRAY Our Father...
Leader: Lord God, whose days are without end and whose mercies beyond counting, keep us mindful that life is short and the hour of death unknown. Let your Spirit guide our days on earth in the ways of holiness and justice, that we may serve you in union with the whole Church, sure in faith, strong in hope, perfected in love. And when our earthly journey is ended, lead us rejoicing into your kingdom, where you live for ever and ever. Amen.
PRAY: Eternal rest grant unto them...Amen.
Leader: May the love of God and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ bless and console us and gently wipe every tear from our eyes: in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, our Divine Physician, we ask you to guard and protect us from Coronavirus COVID19 and all serious illness.
For all that have died from it, have mercy; for those that are ill now, bring healing. For those searching for a remedy, enlighten them; for medical caregivers helping the sick, strengthen and shield them. For those working to contain the spread, grant them success; for those afraid, grant peace.
May your precious blood be our defence and salvation. By your grace, may you turn the evil of disease into moments of consolation and hope. May we always fear the contagion of sin more than any illness. We abandon ourselves to your infinite mercy. Amen