As the year begins to draw to a close, there are several Christian and Catholic holidays that are coming up. One such holiday is All Souls’ Day. Making a prayer request on behalf of a loved one who has passed away is something that can provide you with a sense of peace in remembering this special individual.
You will receive photos of your printed prayer request placed on the Stone of Anointing; the place where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial after his crucifixion.
What is All Souls’ Day?
All Souls’ Day is unique day of remembrance in the Catholic faith as well as several Christian denominations. While All Souls’ Day is considered to be a somber day, it can also be used as a day for prayers for strength to be able to navigate the grief that you may be feeling. Coming together as a community in prayer is something that can provide a source of comfort which is one of the reasons why this day is considered so important in the liturgical year.
4 Steps You Can Take To Get Ready for All Souls’ Day
There are several steps that you can take to ensure that you and your family are ready for All Souls’ Day. Here are just a few examples of ways that you can prepare for All Souls’ Day:
1. Request a mass
When you request a mass on behalf of a loved one that has passed away, you have a special opportunity to remember that loved one. Not only will you be able to remember that loved one through a mass but you will also have the comfort of knowing that your loved one will be in the prayers of the rest of the community who are present at that mass.
2. Set aside time for daily prayer
Saying a daily prayer in the days that are leading up to All Souls’ Day is something that can help you to better focus your prayer intentions and requests. Whether you opt to say these prayers in the morning or you decide to say them as night prayers, these prayers can provide you with a tremendous sense of peace.
3. Say a rosary
A rosary is a wonderful way to make a Catholic prayer request on behalf of your loved one. You can opt to say a rosary to Our Lady of the Rosary with the understanding that the Virgin Mary will always take steps to bring our special prayer intentions to her son on our behalf.
4. Visit the cemetery
Although we’re unable to see our loved ones in a way that we would like, it doesn’t mean that we cannot still feel close to them. One of the ways that we can do this is through visiting these individuals at the cemetery. While there, you can take the time to say silent Catholic prayer request and have the personal and meaningful reflection that you may need as you go through the grieving process.
Prayers for All Souls’ Day
There are different variations of prayers for All Souls’ Day that you can pray in preparation of this special church feast. In preparation for All Souls’ Day, here is an example of a prayer for the dead that you can use as part of your prayer intentions:
Heavenly Father,
I come to you in the days leading up to All Souls’ Day and ask that you will hear my prayers for my loved ones who have passed away. Please bring their soul to you as they transition from this life into a life that will be with you for all eternity. Keep them close to you and help me to understand that this loss in my life is for a reason and by your design. In your name, I pray. Amen.