Protestant Prayers & Scripture for the Dying

Protestant prayers and scripture

Broadly speaking Protestantism has four streams: Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anabaptism, and Anglicanism. Today, thousands of Protestant denominations exist. Here we provide just a sample of prayer, scripture, and song that can work for many.

Generally Christians of all denominations turn to spontaneous prayer as led to by the Holy Spirit. At times, however, words can prove evasive. And at those times, these prayers can provide physical and spiritual comfort.

Prayers for the dying

Prayer to Know Jesus Before Dying:
Lord Jesus, Come into my life. I believe you died and rose from the grave. I believe you live eternally in heaven. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Forgive me of all my sins. Move into my heart. I make you my Lord and Savior. Thank you for your sacrifice. I accept your gift of eternal salvation. Amen.

(From PrayWithMe.com)

Here is a collection of 7 Protestant prayers for the dying.

Scriptures to pray with and for the dying

• Lamentations 3: 21 - 23

• Psalm 23

• Psalm 116:15

• Matthew 11:28-30

• John 3:16

• John 11:25

• John 14:1-3

• 1 Corinthians 15: 42-44

• 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

• Romans 6:23

• Romans 8: 38-39

• Romans 14:8

• Revelation 21:4

Prayers for near death

O God our Heavenly Father, whose Son Jesus Christ committed His spirit into Your hands in trust at the hour of death: we humbly commend the soul of Your servant into Your gracious care and keeping. Be with [him], as You have promised, through the valley of the shadow of death: show [him] the path of life, for in Your presence there is fullness of joy, and at Your right hand there are pleasures forever more. Embrace [him] with the arms of Your mercy and give [him] an inheritance with Your saints in light and joy and glory. Receive [his] spirit and open to [him] the gates of everlasting life: through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

Other Christian prayers for near death can be found here.

Also, look towards the bottom of  the Catholic section for a list of short biblical texts to comfort the dying person. These are verses that can be repeated multiple times to soothe and comfort.

Christian songs for contemplating life and death

Often music is appreciated in the final months and days. Below is a selection of Christian contemporary songs to play at the end of life or anytime (Please screen these songs first for use in your particular situation). Please share with us other songs that you find to be comforting at this stage of life.

Still Waters (Psalm 23)
Leanna Crawford
Meditative, calming song based on Psalm 23

My Story
Big Daddy weave

The Blessing
Kari Jobe

Stronger
Ellie Holcomb
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, But of power, of love, and of a sound mind"
2 Timothy 1:7

I Surrender
Hilltop worship

Lord, I Need You
Matt Maher