Prayer to Help the Dying

Prayer For The Dying

From the Book Prayers For The Dying  By  Fr. Francis P LeBuffe, S.J

 

Go Forth, Christian Soul, out of this world

Go Forth –

This is not your true home, only a tarrying place…

 

You came here on a visit and that visit is now ending…

 

Your period of work is over, and judgment is now to be passed on your workmanship…

 

The summons is imperative; and to obey it or not, does not fall within your free choice…

 

Go Forth

Christian Soul –

 

An immortal thing that had a beginning but will have no end…

 

That which has had the power of knowing truth and loving goodness,

And yet of hearkening to the call of evil…

 

The real Master to whom the good of the life now ending will be credited, and against whom its evil will be charged…

 

Christian Soul –

 

So loved of God, that He brought you into

His Holy Church through Baptism…

And thus made you a member of His Mystical Body…

And made you His soldier at Confirmation…

And forgave you your sins through the ministry of His priests…

And fed you when you would, on His own Body and Blood…

And has just come to you as viaticum –

Food for your long, last journey –

And Has  just cleansed your senses with His sacred anointing that may be fit for Heaven…

And will give you Himself for all eternity if you persevere for a few moments longer…

 

Out of this world –

Which God made and” saw that it was good” (Gen)

Which has been for you –

The scene of many real joys…

And yet a vale, too of many sorrows…

A place of probation –

Wherein to do your life’s work…

And thus prove yourself worth of Heaven…

A tarrying place, but not your real home…

 

In the name of God, The Father Almighty, who created thee ..

At the command of God, The Father Almighty, who created thee …

Shielded by the love of God, The Father Almighty, who created thee …

Feel the love of Christ within your  weary body. Enjoy, the embrace of the Holy Spirit inside  of you.  And allow the Arms of Your Father outstretched before you, to take you  home…Remember us ...when you return home…we will not forget you in our prayers…We let you go…we wish you, dear Christian Soul, the reward of your merit. Amen