Pope Francis has asked for prayers for his nephew’s wife and children, who died today in a car crash in Argentina. Below, prayers for the the dead, even for the death of a child:
Prayer When A Child Dies
With a mother’s strong love
you shelter us in your shadow, Lord
and you mourn as we do the death of this child.
Hold this child gently in your hand
and help us to await in joyful hope
the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come.
-Gabe Huck
Prayer for the Death of a Child
Deliver us from all evil, O God,
for we would not lose hope,
would not forget your love.
Love this child forever
as we have loved him/her.
Guide our steps in the way of peace
till with our eyes we behold you
and shall praise you with all the saints
for ever and ever.
– Gabe Huck
Order of Christian Funerals
Lord Jesus Christ,
by your own three days in the tomb,
you hallowed the graves of all who believe in you
and so made the grave a sign of hope
that promises resurrection
even as it claims our mortal bodies.
Grant that our brothers and sisters may sleep
here in peace
until you awaken them to glory,
for you are the resurrection and the life.
Then they will see you face to face
and in your light will see light
and know the splendor of God,
for you live and reign for ever and ever.
Orthodox Liturgy
O gaping earth!
Receive the body formed of you by the hand of God
and again returning to you as its mother;
for what has been to his image, the Creator has already
reclaimed,
Receive then this as your own.
Psalm 103:15-18
Surely God knows how we are made,
And recalls that we are dust!
Our human life is a reed,
A flower that blooms in the meadow.
It is gone when the wind blows over it;
Its place recalls it no more,
But the grace of the Lord is eternal,
Resting forever on those fear God.
God’s justice belongs to their offspring,
To all who keep the covenant;
Who remember to do what God commands.
Thessalonians 4:13-14
We do not want to be unaware about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
On Grief
“It is the will of him who sent me that I should lose nothing of what he has given me: rather, that I should raise it up on the last day.” (John 6:39) That is our faith conviction about life in Christ. But we need to know what we do. We counter the mystery of death with a greater mystery still, the mystery of risen life. In the meantime there is grief, and nothing in Christian faith asks us to deny grief. We have known, all of us, someone who made an immense difference. We thank God for just that much. And we ask God for just enough strength to handle our grief.” – Gerard S. Sloyan
Mother of God Light in all Darkness
Mother of God, Light in all darkness,
Shelter Christ;
our flame of hope,
with your tender hands.
And in our times of dread and nightmares,
let Him be our dream of comfort.
And in our times of physical pain and suffering,
let Him be our healer,
And in our times of separation
from one another,
Let Him be our communion.
– William Hart McNichols
thecatholiccatalogue.com
Memorial Funeral Poems for a miscarriage, infant, baby or child loss – A parent’s prayer
Use any of these poems for loss of a child or baby or infant. The poems can be used in the memorial program, for readings, or on thank you cards. We also have a page on dealing with grief which you may want to visit if you are dealing with the loss of a son or daughter.
Table of contents
Memorial Poems for Loss of A Child or Baby
A Parent’s Prayer
When a child is apart,
even for a little while,
a parent says a prayer.
We ask the Lord to protect…
to be where we cannot be,
to go where we cannot go.
In Him we place our trust,
for He sees, He knows.
Though how your heart must break,
parted for now from your little one,
know that the Lord keeps your little one safe,
with Him, where we all belong.
He will keep your child in a loving embrace,
just as He keeps you, a child, too.
That is His answer to a parent’s prayer,
that is His love —
forever, everywhere.
“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we’re apart.. I’ll always be with you.”
Winnie the Pooh (A.A. Milne)
Although we seem so far apart,
You’re always here within our hearts.
You filled our lives with joy and pleasure
You were to us a precious treasure.
A little while shall pass and then,
We’ll see each other once again.
Loved, remembered and held so dear,
In minds and hearts you’re always here.
Sometimes God picks a flower that’s still in full bloom.
Sometimes the flower that is chosen, we feel He’s picked too soon.
We’re at peace knowing; in God’s heavenly garden,
He has placed the ones we treasure.
You have changed our lives forever.
Teardrops
Teardrops are falling. We embrace this sad day.
A sweet little baby has just passed away.
So perfect his spirit, so perfect his love,
So perfect a gift from a Father above.
Our child, your family is grieving this day,
In our hearts God has told us why you couldn’t stay.
A spirit so special, so perfect, and pure,
should not have the trials of this life to endure.
You wanted a family, that’s why you came.
To be loved on earth, and given a name.
Then back to our Heavenly Father you went,
fulfilling the mission for which you were sent.
Although our grief is heavy this day,
we know you are happy, and not far away.
Loved ones have gathered close to your side.
Life is Eternal… you’ve really not died.
Know that we love you with all of our heart.
We’ll see you our dear one when this life we part.
Save us a place where we’ll be close to you,
and in joy we’ll embrace, as our love we renew.
by: Ron Tranmer ©
More Poems for Loss of a Child or Baby
Too Pure To Stay
At the loss of a dear sweet child
words cannot explain,
how much the heart is broken,
or how awful is the pain.
“Why doest Thou take little ones?”
I asked as I knelt to pray.
I felt His spirit telling me;
“They are too pure to stay.”
I had the warmest feeling
That my child is happy and waits,
until we are together again
past Heaven’s golden gates.
Time will reunite us.
In not too many years.
In heavens place, we’ll embrace
and joy will replace tears.
by Ron Tranmer ©
My Little Angel
You’ve just walked on ahead of me
And I’ve got to understand
You must release the ones you love
And let go of their hand.
I try and cope the best I can
But I’m missing you so much
If I could only see you
And once more feel your touch.
Yes, you’ve just walked on ahead of me
Don’t worry I’ll be fine
But now and then I swear I feel
Your hand slip into mine.
God Took Him To His Loving Home
God saw him getting tired, a cure was not to be.
He wrapped him in his loving arms and whispered ‘Come with me.’
He suffered much in silence, his spirit did not bend.
He faced his pain with courage, until the very end.
He tried so hard to stay with us but his fight was not in vain,
God took him to His loving home and freed him from the pain.
Anon
Mother To An Angel
A tiny little angel
bid a silent sweet goodbye
to a sad and weeping mother,
then flew off to heaven’s sky.
When a spirit child is perfect
there’s no need for them to stay.
They come and choose a family
then go quickly on their way.
The trials and pain of earth life
are not theirs to endure.
God knows these precious little ones
are much too good and pure.
But while here, a bond is made.
Closer than any other.
One of everlasting love
between the child and mother.
I’m the mother of an angel.
who is watching over me.
How I wish you could have stayed,
but it’s not meant to be.
For a time, my little angel,
you and I will be apart,
but until I hold you in my arms,
I’ll hold you in my heart.
Ron Tranmer©
She was so very, very special
And was so from the start
You held her in your arms
But mainly in your heart
And like a single drop of rain
That on still waters fall,
Her life did ripples make
And touched the lives of all.
She’s gone to play with angels
In heaven up above
So keep your special memories
And treasure. them with love
Although your darling daughter
Was with you just a while
She’ll live on in your heart
With a sweet remembered smile
Then the child opened its eyes, and looked up into the angel’s beautiful face, which beamed with happiness, and at the same moment they were in heaven, where joy and bliss reigned. The child received wings like the other angel, and they flew about together, hand in hand.
By Hans Christian Andersen
God’s garden has need of a little flower.
It had grown for a time here below.
But in tender love.
He took it above.
To a more favorable climate to grow.
(this would be a very nice poem to put on the plantable butterfly cards shown at the top of the page)
THE FOLLOWING POEMS/VERSES WERE RECOMMENDED BY A MOTHER WHO DELIVERED A STILLBORN BABY
Some People Only Dream of Angels…
We Held One In Our Arms
Those we have held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever.
We have a large selection of Funeral Songs. Here are a few that are recommended for a child, baby, son or daughter: (click on link to listen and read the lyrics)
♫ Baby Mine by Bette Midler
♫ You’ll Be In My Heart by Phil Collins
♫ Borrowed Angels by Kristin Chenoweth
♫ I am Your Child by Barry Manilow
♫ Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland
♫ Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton
♫ To Where You Are by Josh Groban
♫ Streets of Heaven by Sherrie Austin
>> See more songs and read the lyrics and listen to a snippet.
More resources: Collection of Poems, Verses, and Sayings. How to give a Eulogy.
Ideas for creating a memorable Celebration of Life:
Need more help? Our downloadable guidebook has the tips you need to plan a funeral or memorial service.
www.nextgenmemorials.com
This is a moving and honest prayer helpful to anyone who has experienced the loss of a son or daughter of any age.
Grieving the loss of a child is one of the hardest griefs there is to weather. Parents and family members mourn their loved one with each passing day, holiday without them, or the birthday dinner they will not celebrate. There are no words to express how one limps along with a death of a child. Time does not heal. Time only gives the solace of acceptance. Time offers a place for gratitude that we ever had our loved one at all. Time allows space for God to offer healing with a scar. The Christian has the model and message of Christ.
The following is a prayer poem written for a family grieving the death of a beloved adult son who died saving a friend.
O Father,
Of greater works than the birth of generations…. we come.
We come with open hearts; tear stained souls, and seeking solace.
Your blaze of love has been with us, and another remains with us.
In the light of Grace we come seeking for what has lived and lives still.
Those places where human and divine meet Your Divinity and needs no introduction.
Father, Hear our prayer.
We, who come barely living but living still in the ache and awe of remembrances,
Counting days,
number of hairs on a head,
words spoken, unspoken, and moments of loving.
Counting it all joy those days of parenting,
laughing, delighting, and place settings for one more.
Counting the messages,
the cards,
the solace,
the well-meaning, and not well meaning of others.
And in the counting of grief’s tears; we trust….
Trust that our prayers are living still in the healing hands of Your Son,
of clouds of witnesses gone before,
and in new places to dwell in Wisdom’s revealing.
Father, Hear our prayer.
The joy of morning alludes,
a peace that passes understanding remains Mysterious,
Steadfast, sustaining, unraveled, and re-bound again, and again.
In the light of Grace we press on and on and on and on.
Count our steps forward,
backward,
in circles, and ever before You.
They who lived once among us and they live still with You.
Emptying arms ache, and sharing words of a father to child are no more,
and a sibling did not asked to be an only.
There are no answers in the bed of loss.
But We trust You to hear our prayer of faith reaching to Heaven’s realms.
A place where Your own has the hands of a carpenter and gives rest to a living son there.
A place where Son meets son and daughter and others and unfolds eternities Mystery.
Father, Hear our prayer.
We cannot explain this living and living still for either side of eternities aisle.
We trust You to hold what we cannot.
We offer our broken hearts to You over a child.
You know the pain of offering a broken heart over your son.
You were there at a cross,
a road to Emmaus,
the day lilies blooming, and the last supper offered.
You were there at the birth,
The growing years of youth,
The athletics of a confident body,
The smiles of laughter shared, given, and pranks of innocence.
You were there at the choosing,
To live full and well and bold and grateful and counting it all joy.
You were there in the silent seasons of respite from
first loves, first loss, first dates, and first jobs,
first apartments, and first beginnings and final endings.
You are there still in the living places where laughter soars,
delights remain,
and humor offers heaven more light.
Making friends with guides of care,
and welcome to dwelling in hospitality
of a place prepared by a Carpenter’s hand.
Father, Hear our prayer.
Turn our grief to hope, faith, and charity.
Give our living to love, gratitude, and each other.
Offer peace beyond the need of actual knowing.
Allow your Spirit to hold and bond the cracked places of the soul.
Weave our memories into appreciation and not idol making of either child.
Meet us in the silence and solitude that catches the groans that bubble up.
Mark the fragility of life with acceptance, no fear, and no regrets.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Sustain us in our moments of weakness,
pressing on,
being still,
getting real,
living still
and living well.
Father, Hear our prayer.
May it be so. Amen.
About this Prayer Poem
This poem has been adapted from the original dedicated to Nick Napolitano. Nick’s parents would want Nick’s death to inspire others to live full and well with Christ. These parents and a sister are changed forever. Friends of Nick’s are changed forever.
Here is Nick’s story that forms the backdrop for this prayer.
Born in 1988, Nick came into this world where Ronald Reagan was President. Rain Man, starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruse, won Best Picture. Gas cost 91 cents a gallon in 1988 and a movie ticket was $3.50. There were wars starting and wars ending. There was a hurricane that no one remembers the name of today. Inventions and technology had its growing edges and influences. The masses did not carry endless numbers of cell phones with catchy names. It was not yet a world of laptops, ipods, or ipads. What a difference twenty-three years makes. Nick left a different world than the one he entered. He left too soon. He was a beloved son to his parents. He was an older brother and friend to a sister. He was an athlete, good student, and an excellent financial analyst with a promising future. His friends and family all remark on his amazing smile, warm heart, and good sense of humor. On August 7, 2011, he and several friends went to a popular spot at Brenton Point State Park in Newport, RI to swim. One of his friends jumped into the surf and immediately found himself in trouble. Nick was a good swimmer and overall athlete. He could not stand by and watch a friend struggle in the surf. He jumped in after him and pulled him to safety. However, a surge upended Nick and slammed him into the rocks. Another friend jumped in after Nick. He held Nick for a brief moment and a crashing wave broke them apart and Nick slipped away into a strong undertow. The head injury from the rocks is the official cause of death. More can be read about Nicholas Napolitano at nicholasvalnapolitanomemorialfund.org.
His parents and sister remain steadfast in their love for family, faith, and supportive friends. Grieving the loss of a child is one of the hardest grief’s there is to weather. His mother and father mourn him with each passing day, holiday without him, or the birthday dinner he will not celebrate. There are no words to express how one limps along with a death of a child. Time does not heal. Time only gives the solace of acceptance. Time offers a place for gratitude that we ever had our loved one at all. Time allows space for God to offer healing with a scar. The Christian has the model and message of Christ. Nick’s parents would want Nick’s death to inspire others to live full and well with Christ. These parents and a sister are changed forever. Friends of Nick’s are changed forever. What was normal the day before August 7, 2011 is no longer their norm. The world of technology, prices, motion pictures, politics, and world events continue. We are here and then we are gone. While Nick was here on this side of heaven’s realms, he made a difference. His life challenges us all to take stock of faith, family, and good friends.
This prayer poetry was written for his parents and sister, offered to God, and in honor of this young man. Prayer is the gift we give to God, to one another, and for ourselves. It offers hope. Hope brings us healing and a peace that passes all understanding.
Nicholas: Lived and Lives Still
Copyright Deborah Walters 2012 All rights reserved
prayerideas.org
