“On a distant shore and in a greater light”; Commendations for the Dying or Recently Departed

The “Proficiscere”

[Name]—Go forth upon thy journey from this world, O Christian soul.
Go in the name of God the Father Almighty who created thee,
In the name of Jesus Christ, his Son, who suffered for thee,
In the name of the Holy Ghost who strengthened thee.
In communion with the blessed saints and accompanied by angels and archangels and all the armies of the Heavenly Host,
May thy portion this day be peace. And thy dwelling in the heavenly Jerusalem.   Amen.

and…

Thou didst support him/her all the long, hot day,
to the lengthening of the shadows and the setting sun;
Now is the fever of life over; the busy world is hushed;
and his/her work is done.

Grant her/him, Lord, at the ending of her/his quest, all journeyings past,
A safe lodging and a holy rest
And peace at last. Amen.

and, for the terminally ill…

O Lord, may the end of (her) life be the best of it, may (her) closing deeds be (her) best, and may the best of (her) days be the day (she) finally meets You. Amen.

Two verses from an old Irish song:

Hark, a solemn bell is ringing
Clear through the night.
Thou, my love, art heavenward winging
Home through the night.

Earthly dust from off thee shaken
Soul immortal shalt thou awaken
With thy last dim journey taken
Home through the night.

†

A prayer for the grieving:

ALMIGHTY GOD, FATHER OF ALL MERCIES and giver of all comfort: deal graciously, we pray Thee, with those who mourn, that, casting their grief and cares upon Thee, they may know the consolation of Thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen