An Irish Funeral Prayer

Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room.

Everything remains as it was. The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no sorrow in your tone. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.

There is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.

All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.

by Henry Scott Holland

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Mother

You can only have one mother, Patient, kind and true; No other friend in all the world, Will be the same to you. When other friends forsake you, To mother you will return, For all her loving kindness, She asks nothing in return, As we look upon her picture, Sweet memories we recall, Of a face so full of sunshine, And a smile for one and all, Sweet Jesus, take this message, To our dear mother up above; Tell her how we miss her, And give her all our love.

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Who She Was

The memories of the past are vague The hurts are forever and forgiven What I have today is what there is forever And those are the memories of all I have to hold on to

In my mind I remember a face– one of beauty One with rarely a frown And almost always a smile

Never a harsh word– just a kind gentle smile I hear her voice as she says kind words to all who she knew The words were always soft And they were who she was I will forever hear her say “Hi Honey” soft and gentle was her voice

In the air I breathe I know she is there To guide and protect all who she loved I will forever be grateful I was born through her to love I am now who she was

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When I Must Leave You

When I must leave you For a little while– Please do not grieve And shed wild tears And hug your sorrow to you Through the years,

But start out bravely With a gallant smile; And for my sake And for my name Live on and do All things the same,

Feed not your loneliness On empty days, But fill each waking hour In useful ways,

Reach out your hand In comfort and in cheer And I in turn will comfort you And hold you near;

And never, never Be afraid to die For I am waiting for you in the sky!

by Helen Steiner Rice

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Gone yet not forgotten...

Gone yet not forgotten, although we are apart, your spirit lives within me, forever in my heart.

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As We Look Back

As we look back over time We find ourselves wondering ..... Did we remember to thank you enough For all you have done for us? For all the times you were by our sides To help and support us ..... To celebrate our successes To understand our problems And accept our defeats? Or for teaching us by your example, The value of hard work, good judgement, Courage and integrity? We wonder if we ever thanked you For the sacrifices you made. To let us have the very best? And for the simple things Like laughter, smiles and times we shared? If we have forgotten to show our Gratitude enough for all the things you did, We’re thanking you now. And we are hoping you knew all along, How much you meant to us.

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We Are Not Alone

We are touched by Angels walk where angels tread. They will guard and guide us through the days ahead. In times of sorrow, as in the days of joy, they bring us hope and comfort nothing can destroy. In the hours of darkness, when our dreams have flown they bring us peace and healing. We are not alone through times of doubting, still they understand. We are touched by angels, walking hand in hand.

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After Glow

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done, I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times and bright and summer days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun, Of happy memories that I leave When life is done.

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We Lost a Father

We lost a father with a heart of gold, How much we miss him, can never be told, He shared our troubles and helped us along, If we follow his footsteps we can never go wrong.

He was a father so very rare, Content in his home and always there, On earth he toiled, in Heaven he rests, God bless you father, you were one of the best.

We miss you from your fireside chair, Your loving smile and gentle air, Your vacant place no one can fill, We miss you father and always will.

Each time we look at your picture, You seem to smile and say, Don’t be sad but courage take, And love each other for my sake.

O Sweet Jesus, for the sake of Thy Bitter Passion and the sorrows of Thy Immaculate Mother have mercy on his soul and let the light of Thy Countenance shine upon him.

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Softly the leaves...

Softly the leaves of memory fall Gently we gather and treasure them all In our hearts and in our thoughts forever

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God called your name so softly...

God called your name so softly,
That only you could hear;
And no-one heard the footsteps,
Of angels drawing near
The golden gates stood open,
God saw you needed rest;
His garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best.

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Jesus, Mary and Joseph...

Jesus, Mary and Joseph I give you my heart and my soul. Jesus, Mary and Joseph assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary and Joseph may I breathe forth my soul in peace with Thee.

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A Little Step Away

To close the eye, to fall asleep, to draw a labored breath, to find release from daily cares in what we know as death– Is this the crowning of life, the aim or end thereof? The totalled sum of consciousness, the ripened fruit of love? It cannot be, for works of God are wrought for nobler ends, and those away continue on in the hearts of kin and friends. It cannot be, for they live on a little step away, the soul, the everlasting life, has found a better day.

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The Family Chain

He never failed to do his best, His heart was true and tender, He worked and toiled for those he loved, And left them to remember. Our family chain is broken, Nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one The links shall join again.

We sat beside your bedside, Our hearts were crushed and sore; We did our duty to the end, ‘Til we could do no more. In tears we watched you fade away; And though our hearts were breaking, We knew you could not stay. You left behind some aching hearts, That loved you most sincere; We never shall and never will, Forget you, father dear.

For many years the family chain, Was closely linked together; But, oh, that chain is broken now, The main link gone forever. The sunshine of our happy home, Must always clouded be; But Thou, O Lord has sent this cross, We bear it all for Thee.

We hold you close within our hearts And there you shall remain To walk with us throughout our lives Until we meet again So rest in peace Dear father And thanks for all you’ve done We pray that God has given you The crown you’ve truly won.

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Fold her O Jesus...

Fold her O Jesus in Thine arms and let her henceforth be a messenger of love between our human hearts and Thee.

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Walk Alone

Should you go first and I remain, to walk the road alone, I’ll live in memories garden, dear, with happy days we’ve known. In spring I’ll wait for roses red, when faded, the lilacs blue. In early fall when brown leaves fall, I’ll catch a glimpse of you. I’ll hear your voice, I’ll see your smile, though blindly I may grope, the memory of your helping hand will buoy me on with hope. Should you go first and I remain, one thing I’ll have you do: walk slowly down that long long path, for soon I’ll follow you. I want to know each step you take, so I may take the same. For someday down that lonely road, you’ll hear me call your name.

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I Only Wanted You

They say memories are golden well maybe that is true. I never wanted memories, I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you, a million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you you never would have died.

If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane, I’d walk the path to heaven and bring you back again.

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Miss Me But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free! Miss me a little, but not too long, and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared, miss me but let me go. For this journey we all must take, and each must go alone. It’s all part of the Master plan, A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.

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I’ll Lend You a Child

“I’ll lend you for a little time a child of mine,” He said. For you to love - while he lives And mourn for when he’s dead.

It may be six or seven years Or twenty-two or three, But will you, till I call him back, Take care or him for Me?

He’ll bring his smiles to gladden you, And should this stay be brief You’ll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, Since all from earth return, But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.

I’ve looked this world over In search for teachers true, And from the throngs that crowd Life’s lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love, Nor count the labor vain, Nor hate Me when I come to call to Take him back again?”

I fancied that I heard then say, “Dear Lord, Thy will be done, For all the joy Thy child shall bring, The risk of grief we’ll run.

We’ll shelter him with tenderness, We’ll love him while we may, And for the happiness we’ve known Forever grateful stay.

But should the angels call for him Much sooner than we’ve planned, We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes And try to understand.”

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The Memorare

Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone fled to Thy protection implored Thy help, or sought Thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of Virgins my Mother, to Thee I come; before Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful O Mother of the Word incarnate despise not my petitions, but in Thy clemency hear and answer me.

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Footprints

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it.

LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most, you would leave me.

The LORD replied: My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints it was then that I carried you.

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Road to Eternity

Life is but a stopping place, A pause in what’s to be, A Resting place along the road, To Sweet Eternity.

We all have different journeys, Different paths along the way, We all were meant To learn some things, But never meant to stay.

Our destination is a place, Far greater than we know, For some the journey’s quicker, For some the journey’s slow.

But when the journey finally ends, We’ll claim a great reward, And find an everlasting peace, Together with the Lord.

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Guardian Angel

Guardian Angel from heaven so bright, watching beside me to lead me aright, fold thy wings round me, and guard me with love, softly sing songs to me of heaven above. Amen

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God’s Will

Not by choice but by God’s Will We’ve been left with memories that will only fill A part of us that’s left behind Like dust in the wind and soon to find That although we have faith, the day has come That this dream is real and we’re no longer numb The presence of what I know in my heart Will keep us together, never to part Your smile has graced us to no end A time for all of us to begin Laughing, loving, caring for each We no longer search, it’s within our reach You have blessed us all with something we lack We will learn from you and always look back God’s Will has left us with a part of you That will grace each day with a morning dew To wake up to butterflies fluttering about And the knowledge that we are not without Your smile, your laughter, your love, your appeal This, my dear, must be God’s Will.

by Marcy Harper

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The Blessing of St. Francis of Assisi

The Lord bless you and keep you. May He show His face to you and have mercy. May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.

The Lord bless you!

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I Said a Prayer for You Today

I said a prayer for you today and know God must have heard. I felt the answer in my heart although He spoke no word! I didn’t ask for wealth or fame (I knew you wouldn’t mind). I asked Him to send treasures of a far more lasting kind! I asked that He’d be near you at the start of each new day; to grant you health and blessings and friends to share your way! I asked for happiness for you in all things great and small. But it was for His loving care I prayed the most of all!

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My Lord and My God

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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Prayer of Solace

May Christ support us all the day long, till the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging, and holy rest and peace at the last. Amen.

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Child’s Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep; I pray thee, Lord, my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take.

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Serenity Prayer

God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.

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When I Must Leave You

When I must leave you for a little while, please do not grieve and shed wild tears and hug your sorrow to you through the years, but start out bravely with a gallant smile; and for my sake and in my name live on and do all things the same, feed not your loneliness on empty days, but fill each waking hour in useful ways, reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer and I in turn will comfort you and hold you near; and never, never be afraid to die, for I am waiting for you in the sky!

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Going To Heaven

When I am gone, release me, let me go I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourselves to me with tears, just be happy that we had some years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it’s time I traveled on alone. Do grieve a while for me if you must then let your grief be comforted by trust. It’s only for a while that we must part, so keep our memories within your hearts. I won’t be far away, for life goes on, so if you need me call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me I’ll be near, and if you listen with your heart you will hear, all of my love around so soft and dear. And then when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and say welcome home.

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The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

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Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

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Perhaps

Perhaps you sent a lovely card, Or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a funeral spray, If so we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, As any friend could say; Perhaps you were not there at all, Just thought of us that day.

Whatever you did to console our hearts, We thank you, so very much whatever the part.

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A Place Where Children Are

What kind of place would heaven be with all its streets of gold, if all the souls, that dwell up there like yours and mine, were old? How strange would heaven’s music sound when harps begin to ring, if children were not gathered ‘round to help the angels sing. The children that God sends to us are only just a loan, He knows we need their sunshine to make the house a home. We need the inspiration of a baby’s blessed smile. He doesn’t say they’ve come to stay, just lends them for a while. Sometimes it takes them years to do the work for which they come. Sometimes in just a month or two our Father calls them home. I like to think some souls up there bear not one sinful scar. I love to think of heaven as a place where children are.

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Safely Home

I am home in heaven, dear ones; oh, so happy and so bright! There is a perfect joy and beauty in the everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, safely home in heaven at last. There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand, do it now, while life remaineth– you shall rest in God’s own land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you home; oh, the rapture of that meeting oh, the joy to see you come!

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