When my grandmother passed away, we scattered her ashes in the rose garden at her favorite restaurant. It was a beautiful, sunny day and everyone who loved her was there to say goodbye. Even though she’s gone, I know she’s still with us in spirit. And, whenever I need her, I can go to the rose garden and talk to her.
Ashes are such an interesting way to remember someone. They’re not quite a body and not quite nothing. They’re like a physical reminder that somebody once existed and that their life mattered. Whether you bury them, scatter them or keep them in an urn on your mantelpiece, they offer comfort and connection to our loved ones who have passed on. Prayers for the burial of ashes can be found in many religious traditions. Here is one from the Catholic tradition:
5 Things to Do Before Prayers for Burial of Ashes
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The famous Christian saying is a reminder that our bodies will one day return to the earth. For many people, the idea of having their remains buried underground is not appealing. Others may simply prefer to keep their loved ones close by. Whatever the reason, there are now many options for what to do with cremated remains. Here are 5 things to consider before making your decision:
- Scattering: This is a popular option for those who want their loved ones to be close to nature. You can scatter the ashes in a place that was special to the person, such as a favorite hiking spot or beach.
- Burial: If you prefer, you can bury the ashes in a cemetery or grave. This option gives you a physical place to visit and allows you to be surrounded by other loved ones who have passed away.
- Keep them at home: Many people choose to keep the ashes of their loved ones at home in an urn or other type of container. This allows you to feel close to the person and keep them in a place of honor in your home.
- Biodegradable urns: There are now many options for eco-friendly urns that will biodegrade over time, returning your loved one’s remains to the earth in a natural way.
- Water burial: For those who love the water, there are now companies that offer water burials, where the ashes are scattered at sea or in a favorite river or lake.
No matter what you decide to do with the cremated remains of your loved ones, it is important to take the time to consider all of your options and choose the one that is right for you and your family.
Prayers for burial of ashes at sea
Example 1:
“Into the abyss of thy mercy’s depths we cast the body of our brother N., commending his soul into thy hands; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” – Book of Common Prayer
Example 2:
“We commend to Almighty God our brother N., and we commit his body to the deep; giving thee thanks for that it pleased thee to take him out of this world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; who died for him, and was raised again for his justification. Amen” – Church of England Burial Service
Example 3:
“O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest eternal, we commend to thy tender love our brother N., whom in life we knew and loved; deliver him from every bondage of sin, and admit him into thy holy Paradise; through Christ our Lord. Amen.” – Roman Catholic funeral rites
Example 4:
“Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant N.. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy,… into the blessed rest of everlasting peace… through Jesus Christ our Lord … Amen.” — Episcopal Church USA Burial Office
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Ashes to ashes burial prayer
Example 5:
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This prayer is a reminder of our mortality and the fact that our bodies will one day die. It is a reminder that we are not exempt from the consequences of sin, and that we will all face death one day.
Example 6:
“Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” This prayer calls us to repent of our sins and to believe in the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that even though our bodies are mortal, we have the hope of eternal life through Christ.
Example 7:
“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” This prayer calls us to turn away from sin and to live according to the Gospel. It is a reminder that we can have new life in Christ if we turn away from our old life of sin.
Example 8:
“Pray for the dead and for those who grieve them.” This prayer calls us to pray for those who have died and for those who are grieving their loss. It is a reminder that death is not the end, and that we will all be reunited with our loved ones in heaven one day.
For More: 25 Powerful Prayer For Forgiving Others
Common worship burial of ashes
Example 9:
Dear Lord, we thank you for the gift of life. As we bury the ashes of our loved ones, we ask that you give us strength and comfort. We know that they are now at peace in your presence. Amen.
Example 10:
Heavenly Father, we entrust the ashes of our beloved to you. May they rest in your care until we are reunited with them in paradise. Amen.
Example 11:
Almighty God, we pray that you will receive the ashes of our deceased loved ones into your loving hands. Grant us peace and comfort in our grief, knowing that they are safe in your care. Amen.
Example 12:
Merciful God, we commend to you the souls of those who have died and been cremated. May they find rest in your eternal embrace. Amen.”
For More: 18 Best Prayer For Thanking God For Answered Prayers
Burial prayer ashes to ashes
Example 13:
Dear Lord, we commit our loved one to your care. We know that they are now in your presence, and we rejoice that they are with you. We ask that you would comfort us in our sorrow, and give us strength for the days ahead. Amen.
Example 14:
Heavenly Father, we thank you that you are the resurrection and the life. We know that our loved one is now with you, and we look forward to the day when we will be reunited with them in your presence. Amen.
Example 15:
Almighty God, we entrust our loved one into your hands. We know that they are safe with you, and we give thanks for their life. We pray for comfort and strength for those who mourn their loss. Amen.
Example 16:
Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you conquered death and by your resurrection you opened the way to eternal life. We commend our loved one into your loving care, and we look forward to the day when we will all be reunited in your kingdom. Amen.
For More: 19 Powerful Prayers Of Gratitude To God For Blessings
Catholic graveside prayer for burial of ashes
Example 17:
“On this day, we commend our brother/sister N. to the merciful love of God. In baptism, N., you died with Christ and were raised to new life. May you now rejoice in the glory of Christ, who has freed you from sin and death.”
Example 18:
“Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant N.. Acknowledge, we pray, a sheep of your own fold, purchased by your precious blood. Welcome him/her now into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the company of the saints.”
Example 19:
“In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother/sister N.; and we commit his/her body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him/her and keep him/her; the Lord make his/her face to shine upon him/her and be gracious unto him/her; the Lord lift up his/her countenance upon him/her and give him/her peace.”
For More: 15 Powerful Prayers for the Repose of the Soul
5 Benefits of Prayers for Burial of Ashes
When a loved one passes away, it can be difficult to know how to honor their memory. One way to do this is by having a prayer for the burial of ashes. Here are five benefits of this type of prayer:
- It allows you to express your grief.
- It helps you to remember your loved one.
- It gives you a sense of closure.
- It provides comfort and peace.
- It helps you to move on.
Prayers for the burial of ashes can be an extremely powerful way to honor your loved one’s memory. If you are considering this option, be sure to talk to your clergy member or funeral director to learn more about what is involved.
The role of faith in Prayers for Burial of Ashes
Many religious traditions believe that prayer can bring about real change and offer comfort and support during difficult times such as the burial of ashes. According to these beliefs, the power of prayer comes from the faith and belief of the person praying. When a person prays with strong faith, they are connecting with a higher power and asking for their guidance, comfort, or intervention.
For those who believe, having faith in the power of prayer can provide a sense of comfort and peace, as well as a sense of being connect to a larger community of believers. It can also give a sense of agency and control during difficult times, as the act of praying can make the person feel like they are doing something to help the situation.
In many religious traditions, prayer is also seen as a way of developing a deeper relationship with the divine, which can bring a greater sense of purpose and meaning to life.
However, it’s important to note that the efficacy of prayer and its relationship to faith can be a complex and personal issue and belief may vary greatly between individuals and cultures.
Conclusion
I hope you found this blog helpful. Prayers for the burial of ashes can be a beautiful way to honor your loved one and give them the send-off they deserve. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to me or one of the other funeral professionals mentioned in the article. It is our goal to make sure that your loved one’s burial is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Thank you for reading!
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