This form for the Burial of the Dead, adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, is intended for baptized members of the Church in good standing. It may be adapted at the godly discretion of the Minister.
OPENING SCRIPTURES
The first words spoken are the words of Christ. After the Scriptures, the Minister may greet the congregation and say an opening prayer.
I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. John 10:25–26
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. Job 19:25–27
We brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. 1 Timothy 6:7; Job 1:21
PSALM
Psalm 39 or 90:1–12 is read with the Gloria Patri. Other suitable Psalms include Psalm 23, 42:1–7, 46, 121, 130, or 139:1–11. A fitting hymn may be sung and eulogies or memories of the departed may be shared.
SCRIPTURE LESSON
Then, 1 Corinthians 15:20–58 is read. Other suitable passages include Isaiah 25:6–9; 61:1–3; Lamentations 3:22–26, 31–33; Job 19:21–27a; Romans 8:14–19, 34–39; 2 Corinthians 4:16–5:9; 1 John 3:1–2; Revelation 7:9–17; 21:2–7; John 5:24–27; 6:37–40; 10:11–16; 11:21–27; 14:1–6.
HOMILY
A short sermon is given on Christ’s victory over death and the hope of the resurrection (see Questions 33, 35, 55, and 56). The Apostles’ Creed may then be said.
GRAVESIDE
When the corpse is laid in the earth, the Minister says,
Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble. He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not. Job 14:1
In the midst of life we are in death; of whom may we seek for help, but you, O Lord, who for our sins are justly displeased?
Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty, O holy and most merciful Savior, deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death.
You know, Lord, the secrets of our hearts; do not shut your merciful ears to our prayers; but spare us, Lord most holy, O God most mighty, O holy and merciful Savior, most worthy Judge eternal; do not allow us, in our last hour, through the pains of death, to fall away from you.
A fitting and familiar hymn, such as Amazing Grace, may be sung.
COMMITTAL
While earth is cast upon the body, the Minister says,
Since it has pleased Almighty God, in his wise providence, to take out of this world the soul of our deceased brother, we therefore commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; looking for the general resurrection in the last day, and the life of the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ; at whose second coming in glorious majesty to judge the world, the earth and the sea shall give up their dead; and the corruptible bodies of those who sleep in him shall be changed, and made like unto his own glorious body; according to the mighty working of his Spirit, whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself. Amen.
I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors.” Revelation 14:13
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
LORD’S PRAYER
The Minister may invite the people to join him in saying the Lord’s Prayer.
Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your 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 yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE COLLECT
Merciful God, you are the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life. In him, whosoever believes shall live, though he die, and whosoever lives and believes in him, shall not die eternally. We humbly ask you, O Father, to raise us from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness; that when we shall depart this life, we may rest in Christ; and at the general resurrection on the last day, may be found acceptable in your sight, and receive that blessing which your well-beloved Son shall then pronounce to all that love and fear you, saying, “Come, you blessed children of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world.” Grant this, we ask you, O merciful Father, through Jesus Christ our Mediator and Redeemer. Amen.
BENEDICTION
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.