Prayers for a Vigil

Dear Friends: It was our Lord Jesus himself who said, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Let us pray, then, for our brother (sister) N., that he may rest from his labors, and enter into the light of God's eternal sabbath rest. Receive, O Lord, your servant, for he returns to you.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother (sister) N.

Wash him in the holy font of everlasting life, and clothe him in his heavenly wedding garment.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother (sister) N.

May he hear your words of invitation, "Come, you blessed of my Father."

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother (sister) N.

May he gaze upon you, Lord, face to face, and taste the blessedness of perfect rest.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother (sister) N.

May angels surround him, and saints welcome him in peace.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother (sister) N.

Almighty God, our Father in heaven, before whom live all who die in the Lord: Receive our

brother N.

into the courts of your heavenly dwelling place. Let his heart and soul now ring out in joy to you, O Lord, the living God, and the God of those who live. This we ask through Christ our Lord.

Amen.