3 traditional prayers for a deceased mother, and 3 passages from the Bible to pray with them. Choose one, read it aloud, or print it as a card to keep.
Almighty God, we remember this day before thee thy faithful servant, and we pray thee that, having opened to him the gates of larger life, thou wilt receive him more and more into thy joyful service; that he may win, with thee and thy servants everywhere, the eternal victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Father of Life, fold in the everlasting arms of thy love the torch-bearers of life, the mothers of the race. As they struggle up the steps of motherhood, through its travail of mind, body, and soul, give them a clearer vision and a guiding wisdom. Grant them the compensation of a love returned and understood, and the ultimate satisfaction of knowing that they have lifted those entrusted to their care up into helpful harmony with thy kingdom. Bestow an especial tenderness on those who, having borne no children, nevertheless exert the sweet ministries of motherhood over their home circle. Comfort all lonely, unmothered hearts. Grant the ever-steadying power of thy support through the daily discouragements, the clash and readjustment of ideals, and the anguish of bereavement that come into all mothers' lives. Increase, we pray, their cheerful steadfastness, their wistful selfless strength; and, at the close of their day, may they enter into rest with faith undimmed, and unafraid. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Remember thy servant, O Lord, according to the favour which thou bearest unto thy people, and grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of thee, he may go from strength to strength, in the life of perfect service, in thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
From the Book of Common Prayer (1928)
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10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Proverbs 31:10-31, King James Version
15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Psalm 116:15, King James Version
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13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Revelation 14:13, King James Version
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Start with "For an Anniversary of One Departed" and pray it each day, with A Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31) (Proverbs 31:10-31) to read alongside it.
Both. They come from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, Protestant and Lutheran collections and the Bible. Most can be prayed by any Christian.
Yes. Where a prayer says "N." or "thy servant", put in the name of the person you are praying for.
They keep the words of the older prayer books and the King James Bible, the words generations have prayed. "Thee" and "thou" are the old familiar forms of "you".