Support from the Bible
Most people we have cared for are not familiar with the Bible or attend church. Wherever you are with these things, you may find comfort and clarity in them during this time.
Whether a priest, minister, pastor, or civil celebrant is officiating at a funeral or memorial service, some of these passages Bible passages are quoted to bring comfort.
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Psalm 23
This passage, which begins with "The Lord is my Shepherd", has been quoted for many centuries to bring solace to those who have lost a loved one.A Psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
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Ecclesiastes 3
Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes [pronounced “ek-lee-z-iass-tees”] was adapted in the 1960s by the Byrds in the song “Turn, Turn, Turn”. It includes the poignant verse:a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3:4, ESV)
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The Lord’s Prayer
Often, the Lord’s Prayer is read during services. Here is a version in contemporary English from Matthew 6:9–13:Our Father 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 debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
(ESV)
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Some Bible passages may be difficult to ponder, as they delve into the complexities of the human condition. Yet, it is in these profound reflections that we often find wisdom. These have been put together by Marc and his friends.
it is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.
And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Also, Job 19:25-27 and Job 33:12-18
Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!
Weeping may tarry [or stay] for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
You have kept count of my tossings;
put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your book?
“How the mighty have fallen!”
But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
“And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.”
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” “
“Jesus wept”