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
The end-of-life often brings a need for deep comfort both for the dying person and for their loved ones. Below are verses on which to meditate as you all process through and pray through this journey. All the references below are hyperlined to BibleGateway so you may choose the translation you prefer.
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 Protestant 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