A Basic Liturgy For A Funeral

The following is an outline for an informal funeral service that reflects the themes described in the articles above.

Song. Beginning with a song that expresses in a simple and meaningful way the feelings of those gathered together for the funeral immediately draws the community together more powerfully than when words alone are used. Some suggested songs are: "Sometimes I Feel like a Motherless Child" "O God Our Help in Ages Past" "Amazing Grace" "Lord of All Hopefulness" "Wondrous Love" Prayer The prayer, offered by the person leading the funeral liturgy, should address God as those gathered understand God, commend the deceased to God's embrace, and ask comfort for those grieving. The leader should also be particularly conscious of the circumstances of death. In other words, one does not pray for a deceased infant in the same way one prays for a person who has rounded out eighty years; nor does one pray for a person released after a long suffering in the same way one prays for person taken suddenly from the family and friends' midst by accident or suicide. Readings Some suggested biblical readings are: Wisdom 3:1–9; Isaiah 25:6a, 7–9; Lamentations 3:17–26; Romans 5:5–11; 8:31b–35, 37–39; 14:7–9; 2 Corinthians 4:14–5:1; Philippians 3:20–21; 1 John 3:1–2; Luke 24:13–35; John 5:24–29; 11:32–45. Response Each reading should be followed by some type of response by the assembly, but first there should be a silent pause for reflection. Psalms 23, 25, 27, 42, and 148 are particularly appropriate. The community could recite the entire Psalm together, alternate sides, or repeat a short refrain between each strophe. A simple chant like "Jesus Remember Me" (Taizé/GIA Publications) could also be sung as a response. Witness Storytelling, or faith-sharing, about the deceased can be an important means of supporting the spirits of those who grieve. Christian hope is based on the confident belief that life is not ended, but changed. By being given an opportunity to share precious memories, family and friends hold on to the conviction that their dead are still with them, in their new life. Intercessory Prayer When the time for sharing seems to be drawing to a close, the leader can invite those gathered to pray for their needs and the needs of all who grieve in petitions such as these: We pray that our brother/sister [Name] may be joined to the company of saints at the heavenly banquet. We pray that all those whose hearts are heavy with sorrow may know comfort. We pray that the burden of sickness and suffering may be lightened by compassion and love. To each petition the assembly can respond, "O God, hear us in word or song." Lord's Prayer The intercessory prayer should conclude by inviting the assembly to join together and pray as Jesus taught us. If it seems appropriate, the leader can invite those gathered to join hands as they pray. Conclusion The leader can conclude the service by inviting those gathered to embrace each other in the peace of Christ. If there is to be another service, or a continuation of those services, at the gravesite, the leader should invite the assembly to continue the journey there. The graveside service should consist of at least a song of farewell and prayer committing the body of the deceased to the earth. The ancient Christian hymn In paradisum is most appropriate: May the angels lead you in paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome you; and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem. The leader then prays in these or similar words: With faith and confidence that life is changed, not ended, we commend the body of [Name] to the ground [or the deep, or the element, or its resting place—depending on the circumstances of interment]. Lord, you wept at the tomb of your friend Lazarus. Comfort us now as we take our leave in sorrow. If interment takes place immediately, the mourners can throw a handful of dirt or flowers into the grave reverently.

The final words should be addressed to the assembly:

May the God of love and mercy wipe every tear from our eyes, and lead us to walk in ways of peace.