United States Corps of Chaplains
National Headquarters
Training Office
"Nurture the Living, Care for the Dying
and Honor the Dead"
This Chaplain's Training Bulletin Offers an Example of one service for when we are called upon to comfort someone as they reach the end of their earthly journey.
The function of a Chaplain is to "represent God" to the people they serve, remaining always respectful of the individual's belief system, yet maintaining their own religious traditions. When conducting ministry or services of worship that include persons of other than their own religious body, Chaplains hold in trust the tenets, or beliefs, of their respective faith group, and draw upon those beliefs, principles, and practices which they have in common.
A Prayer for a Person near Death
Almighty God, look on this your servant, lying in great
weakness, and comfort him with the promise of life
everlasting, given in the resurrection of your Son Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Litany at the Time of Death
When possible, it is desirable that members of the family and friends come together at this time.
God the Father,
Have mercy on your servant.
God the Son,
Have mercy on your servant.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on your servant.
We sinners beseech you to hear us, Lord Christ: That it may
please you to deliver the soul of your servant from the power
of evil, and from eternal death,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please you mercifully to pardon all his sins,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please you to grant him a place of refreshment
and everlasting blessedness,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please you to give him joy and gladness in your
kingdom, with your saints in light,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
The Lord's Prayer is now offered
The Chaplain now says:
Let us pray.
Deliver your servant, O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all
evil, and set him free from every bond; that he may rest in
the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the
Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
When offering Final Blessings and Commendations for victims at an Emergency Scene the following should be used:
Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world;
In the Name of God the Father Almighty who created you;
In the Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed you;
In the Name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you.
May your rest be this day in peace,
and your dwelling place in the Paradise of God.
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