Ordraceon Phillip Marques Wiley

Lamentations 3:21–25 KJV (WS)

21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 22 It is of the Lord'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. 25 The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

John 14:1–6 (KJV (WS))

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Heavenly Father, as we are gathered here today to support and comfort the family. We ask that your will be done into today’s service so that it may glorify and bring honor unto you and that it would give a peace that surpasses all understanding to the loved ones. Father, we also acknowledge and praise and thank you for your son Jesus, Jesus Christ, who knew no sin but saw fit to take upon the sins of the world that whosoever would believe would have eternal life. And that same power that raised Christ on the third day would be manifested in our earthly bodies, that same power would be able to bring ((not a sense of peace)) but would bring peace from you that your unfailing love would compass the entire family.  Father, I also pray that as your arm is continuously stretched out, the hearers of today's service take this opportunity to draw closer to you. This we ask only by one name: Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. And let the church say Amen.

Start by acknowledging the pain and loss that people are feeling. Let them know that you are there to support them in their grief. You don’t have to use fancy words, just acknowledge that people are grieving the loss of their loved one. Pray for comfort and peace for the family and friends of the deceased. Ask God to give them strength during this difficult time, just as you would want someone to pray for you, if you were in their situation. Pray for hope and assurance in the midst of loss. Remind people that death is not the end, and that they will see their loved one again in heaven. Only do this if you know for sure they have a relationship with God. If you are unsure, or don’t know, then you might say something like: “(Name) is in a better place and is no longer suffering in this world.” Close your prayer by thanking God for the life of the deceased. Celebrate their memories and let them know that they are loved. People showed up for their funeral, so the person had an impact on people’s lives; you can point to that and give thanks for their life.

Dear God in heaven, we have come together to support the bereaved family. Through Christ, we ask for your comfort and peace to surround us, now, and in the days and weeks ahead. This service will soon come to an end, but the love the family have for (name of the deceased) will continue on. May the best of who he was be lived out in their lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.