In Sure and Certain Hope. Paul Sheppy

      through Jesus Christ our Lord.

      Amen.

      If only, Lord God,

      if only we had taken time,

      if only we had said more,

      if only we had said less.

      We confess to you our regrets,

      we acknowledge what is past.

      In this moment give us grace to receive

      and to offer forgiveness;

      through Jesus Christ our Lord.

      Amen.

      [Tribute]

      When a tribute is to be offered, it may be given here. The proclamation of the Christian hope then takes its rightful place at the heart of the rite in the reading of Scripture and a sermon.

      Bible Readings

      Suggested passages are listed in Appendix 1 (see pages 28–41).

      After the reading of Scripture the following words may be used.

      Your word is a lamp to our feet:

      A light to our path.

      Sermon

      Prayers

      The litany below is normally said. Additional or alternative prayers are to be found in Appendix 2 (see pages 42–48).

      LITANY

      Let us pray to the Lord our God

      making known our heart’s desire for N.

      God of our journey,

      you have called us to follow in the way of Christ,

      even to death.

      By the victory of the cross

      lead N through death to resurrection

      where Christ has gone before.

      Lord, in your mercy:

      Hear our prayer.

      Righteous God,

      you call us to judgement –

      the living and the dead,

      to the place where right and truth prevail.

      Examine us with love,

      and show N your mercy,

      for without it none of us may stand.

      Lord, in your mercy:

      Hear our prayer.

      Saving God,

      you have promised your salvation

      to all who trust in you.

      Bring N with all your saints

      to your eternal presence.

      Lord, in your mercy:

      Hear our prayer.

      Ever-living God,

      you have promised new life

      to all who are found in Christ.

      Clothe N with the life of your Son,

      whom not even death could hold.

      Lord, in your mercy:

      Hear our prayer.

      Eternal God,

      all our days depend on you,

      for you are the giver of all good gifts.

      Grant N

      the life of your eternal joy and peace.

      Lord, in your mercy:

      Hear our prayer.

      The following may be said after the litany or any other prayers.

      CONCLUDING PRAYER

      Eternal God,

      we pray for ourselves as we pray for N.

      We stand where earth and heaven meet,

      where life is brought to death,

      and death is made the gate to glory.

      Deliver us from fear and doubt,

      from despair and unbelief,

      and bring us to the light of your presence.

      Grant us that peace which the world cannot give,

      so that we with N may trust in you

      and find our life in you.

      We make our prayer through Jesus Christ,

      our Saviour in life and death,

      who lives and reigns with you

      in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

      God for ever and ever.

      Amen.

      The Lord’s Prayer

      Our Father in heaven,

      hallowed be your name,

      your kingdom come,

      your will be done

      on earth as in heaven.

      Give us today our daily bread.

      Forgive us our sins

      as we forgive those

      who sin against us.

      Save us from the time of trial

      and deliver us from evil.

      For the kingdom, the power,

      and the glory are yours

      now and for ever.

      Amen.

      Our Father, who art in heaven,

      hallowed be thy name,

      thy kingdom come,

      thy will be done,

      on earth as it is in heaven.