PRAYERS AT THE CLOSE: for ministers, friends and family



1768524-8382000-884555-52387500PRAYERS AT THE CLOSE Christian prayersfor the bedsideIntroductionMost of us at some point in our life will find ourselves sitting alongside someone who is seriously ill or dying. Although good physical pain control can make this time less distressing, it cannot take away the pain and loneliness of the situation. This short collection of prayers has been brought together to help during such times. They are chosen or written to be of use to family, friend, minister or chaplain. Each prayer is explained, so no one should fear ‘saying the wrong thing’. This booklet grew from three encounters I had whilst working as a Hospital Chaplain. I was once called in to pray in the ward in the middle of the night. Reading Psalm 23 from the bedside bible, I found myself put off by an unfamiliar version and a coffee stain. The next morning I decided that practical problems shouldn’t interfere with the support we offer in hospital, so I pulled together a card of readings and prayers, which forms the germ of this book.The second (and more positive) encounter came a few months later when praying with a lady of considerable faith but weakening health. Set free by her faith and courage, I felt able to relax in prayer and consider the wonder of God in that place, and prayed confidently to the God of our past, present and future. This is a pattern of prayer I have since found most valuable, and is included in the booklet. All newer prayers that follow have grown from time alongside such people.My third encounter was with a lovely lady who wanted to know what to read to her father during the long night vigil. Fortunately, his own bible was with him and it was clear that he had regularly visited his favourite passages. All she had to do was find the worn pages and read. When she wrote to say what a comfort this had been, it reminded me of the many times I had left relatives after sharing some words and a prayer, but very little else to help them through their vigil, knowing that they may face hours or even days of waiting. I have often longed for something helpful to leave behind, and this booklet is the result.It is meant for anyone who may not always feel confident in prayer but find themselves in the role of spiritual guardians.I have chosen or written the prayers with care, and adapted them as needed to reduce the chance that any prayer, old or new, could cause distress. An experienced nurse will tell you that the ability to hear is most persistent. This reminds us to be careful in what we say, but also emphasises the value of talking, reading and praying with the very ill. Prayers suitable for the moment of death and after are clearly marked as such.On the left had side of each page, I have offered a simple explanation of each prayer, what it seeks to say and when it may be of use. With every blessing at this difficult time, Simon Harrison TSSFLead Chaplain RDEFTWhy use the Lord’s Prayer?This is quite simply the most precious prayer there is in the English language. It is familiar to almost everyone, and seems to stay in the mind when all else has slipped away. Not only is it familiar, it speaks to just this situation.We pray to God our father who we believe is in Heaven. None of us can claim to know what is beyond this life, but we trust that God our father will be there.The second part is perhaps the most difficult to pray, asking for God’s will to be done; not ours, but his. In doing so we acknowledge that some situations are beyond our control, and this is one of them. It is also hard to pray for our daily bread, when we may want to ask for so much more, but in saying this, we are asking God for the strength we need for this day, and leaving tomorrow until tomorrow. Not only this, but we pray together- it is we who ask God to feed us, and it is we who ask God to forgive our sins. No one is excluded, even if they are unable to join the prayer aloud.The prayer ends by once more asking God for his protection, and declaring, despite our situation, that we trust God to be in charge- thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, and that God will be there for us, and for those we pray for, for ever and ever. AmenIt is always a privilege to pray this prayer alongside someone who is ill or dying, and it is the heart of any prayer we offer.The Lord’s Prayer (traditional)As Jesus taught us, so we pray….. Our Father,Who art in Heaven,Hallowed be thy name.Thy Kingdom come, thy will be doneOn earth, as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread,And forgive us our trespasses,192913033401000As we forgive those who trespass against us,And lead is not into temptation,But deliver us from evil:For thine is the kingdom,The power and the glory,For ever and ever,AmenWhy read Psalm 23?As with the Lord’s prayer, the words of Psalm 23 are deeply familiar to many. Written so many centuries ago as a song, it is often read out at this time because the words seem so right. Although the psalm is regularly part of a funeral (and so has sad associations for some) it is not used because it is sad in tone at all.If you read the words through, you will see that it is, above all, a statement of faith and trust in God: that God will be beside us, in life and in death, through suffering and joy.It is best read out loud as a solemn declaration: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I will fear no evil, God will feed me, he will comfort me, he will be with me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in his house for even.Read this way, it can put into words the hope many of us cling to when in a hard place.Together, God and I will come through this, even if I go through the valley of the shadow of death.Psalm 23The Lord is my Shepherd: Therefore can I lack nothing.He shall feed me in a green pasture:And lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.He shall convert my soul: and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness, for his Name’s sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of deathI will fear no evil: for thou are with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me: thou has anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full.But thy loving kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:261683512636500And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. The importance of Past, Present & FutureIf one could bring three gifts to a family when someone is dying, these might be: a space for fond memories, strength for the present, and hope for all their futures. This three-fold prayer is shaped to reflect these three concerns.Although written as a formal prayer, it is not always right to pray in such a formal way. If we remember that much prayer is about talking to God, it is possible to ‘talk these things through’ with him, remembering our past, the needs of the present and our hopes and fears for the future.This prayer does not avoid the real issue of death, or the pain of the moment, but allows us not to lose sight of the bigger context of a whole life lived.God of Past, Present & FutureGod of our past, our present and our future,We trust that you have been with us403288516314600through our lives,we trust that you are with us now,and we trust that you will bewith us in our life to come.Be ever present, we ask you,reassure us of your love,your forgivenessand your peace.We particularly bring N before you now, asking that your love will enfold them.When we are still far off, you come to meet us and bring us home. As we meet with you this day, give your blessing to [name anyone present or who would have wished to be present]We thank you for your gift of life, and ask you to remain with N [and with us] this day, this night, and forever more. Amen(Can be directly followed with the Lord’s Prayer)Being aware of Heaven & EarthThis is a gentle prayer to precede the Lords prayer, especially suitable when all those present recognize that death is near.It reminds us a little about the nature of God, who does not see things as we do, but who promises to be ever present, both now and in the mystery to come.In the middle it suggests ‘open prayer’, which is when we speak to God about the big issues that face us- what we hope, what we fear, the family, friends, the future, everything.The prayer closes with a reminder that the simplest of faith is good enough for God. We pray to the extent that we can, with all our doubts and confusion. We pray as we are able, but when words run out, we can still bring ourselves before God as we are.God of Heaven and EarthLord God of Heaven and Earth, you stretch beyond time and place. Be with us now, in this time and place, as we pray alongside N. We ask that the love to be found in your presence will be with us now.[open prayer for N and any loved ones]So with simple faith, and trusting in your everlasting presence, we bring ourselves before you and say together the prayer Jesus taught his disciples….-2286004928600Our Father, Who art in Heaven…Prayers of ‘Commendation’‘Commendation’ prayers are for times when someone is dying and is very aware of this, and really wants to be committed into God’s care. They are also commonly used when someone has recently died, and we seek to ‘commend’ them into Gods’ care.There are several forms of this prayer, some are more formal, some are less so. They are most often said by a chaplain or minister- but there is no reason why they cannot be said by someone else present if that is most appropriate. One or two are included below:center654494500A prayer of commendation(traditional amended)Go forth on your journey, O Christian Soul, [or name]In the name of God the Father who created you.In the name of Jesus who redeemed you.In the name of the Holy Spirit who sanctified you.May your guardian angel succour and defend you.May the prayers of the saints help youAnd may your portion this day be peace, and your rest in the heavenly Jerusalem.This we ask in the name of ChristAmenor.. A Franciscan Commendation N., may Christ give you rest in the land of the living and open for you the gates of paradise;may he receive you as a citizen of the Kingdom,and grant you forgiveness of your sins:for you were his friend.AmenThe Value of BlessingsShort prayers of blessing can be a powerful and significant help. It is not that they always say something very wise, but they remind us of simple truths and communicate our hope and our love for other people in ways we can remember easily.Blessings can be used after any prayer, and also can be valuable as a final short prayer when leaving the bedside- a blessing somehow feels more like offering a gift than simply saying ‘goodbye’ …center91440000BlessingsMay Christ go before youAnd Christ go behind you,Christ above youAnd Christ beneath you,Christ beside youAnd Christ within you,AmenMay the blessing of God Almighty,Father, Son and Holy Spirit,Be with you now and for evermore,And for evermore.AmenGod be your comfort, your strength;God be your hope and support;God be your light and your way;And may God: Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer,Bless you and remain with youNow and for ever.Amen(From A new Zealand Prayer Book, adapted) Joyce Yarrow Unless otherwise noted, material ?Simon Harrison 2012-616096-52622000For more information or more copies,contact simon.harrison2@ ................
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