Here are some collections of quotes, sayings, prayers, proverbs and poems to help and support those who have been bereaved.
Loss of a Loved One Poems
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone will stay that way,
I found that peace at close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I, too, will miss.
But not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life has been full, I’ve savored much.
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief,
Lift up you hearts and share with me,
God wanted me now,
He set me free. ~Author Unknown
Farewell My Friends by Gitanjali Ghei (1961- 1977)
It was beautiful as long as it lasted, the journey of my life, I have no regrets whatsoever, save the pain I’ll leave behind.
Those dear hearts who love and care, and the heavy with sleep ever moist eyes, the smile in spite of a lump in the throat and the strings pulling at the heart and soul,
The strong arms that held me up when my own strength let me down, each morsel that I was fed with was full of love.
At every turning of my life I came across good friends, friends who stood by me, even when the time raced me by.
Farewell farewell my friends, I smile and bid you goodbye.
No, shed no tears, for I need them not, all I need is your smile, If you feel sad, do think of me, for that’s what I’ll like, when you live in the hearts of those you love, remember then…… you never die.
To Those I Love And Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that we had so many years
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness
I thank you for the love you have shown
But now it’s time I traveled alone
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It’s only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart
I won’t be far away. For life goes on
So if you need me call and I will come
Though you can’t see or touch me I’ll be there
And if you listen with your heart you’ll hear
All of my love around you soft and clear
And then when you must come this way alone
I’ll greet you with a smile and welcome you home ~Author Unknown
Miss Me But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set on me,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free.
Miss me a little–but not too long,
and not with your head bowed low,
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me–but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take,
And each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart,
Go to the friends we know.
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,
Miss me–but let me go. ~Author Unknown
A Prayer for Difficult Moments
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. (Diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska, 950).
Prayer for the Deceased Person
Lord Jesus, our Redeemer, You willingly gave Yourself up to death so that all people might be saved and pass from death into a new life. Listen to our prayers; look with love on Your people who mourn and pray for their dead brother/sister. Lord Jesus, You alone are holy and compassionate; forgive our brother/sister his/her sins.
By dying You opened the gates of life for those who believe in You; do not let Your brother/sister be parted from You, but by Your glorious power give him/her light, joy, and peace in heaven where You live for ever and ever. Amen.
Irish Funeral Prayers
He put his arms around you, and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb. So He closed your weary eyelids, and whispered “Peace be thine”. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered “come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. God looked around His garden, and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth, and saw your tired face.
Quotes and Sayings for Support during the Loss of a Loved One
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. ~Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:4 RSV)
Remember the man who served his almighty Creator, his country, his community, and most of all, his family. He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men, and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction. ~Bessie Anderson Stanley
Be of good cheer about death and know this as a truth – that no evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death. ~Socrates
While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil. ~John Taylor
Let us all understand that death is not an eraser. It does not remove the deeds or the meanings that existed in anyone’s life. It does not make poor men rich or great men fallible. And when death comes, let us not romanticize its presence nor the person it takes from us. Let us see death for what it really is: a border that we all must cross; a border that, more than any other, defines the lives we are able to lead. Do not mourn for those who cross over. Rather, reflect on the definition they’ve left behind. It is the only truth we are able to know here on earth. When the definition is great, then celebrate it. When it is lacking, then learn from it and improve on it. And use it to make your own definition more truthful and loving and miraculous. ~Russell Andrews
I have died many a death in love, and yet, had I not loved I would never have lived at all. ~David Lasater
I shall not die of a cold. I shall die of having lived. ~Willa Cather
Death is not extinguishing the light. It is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come. ~Rabindranath Tagore
Life is eternal and love is immortal; And death is only a horizon, And a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. ~Rossiter W. Raymond
Is death the last sleep? No – it is the last and final awakening. ~Sir Walter Scott
Time goes, death comes. ~Dutch proverb
The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity. ~Seneca
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice. ~Indian proverb
They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies. ~William Penn
Life is a dream walking, death is going home. ~Chinese proverb
Grief is a profound and deeply personal experience, and when we lose someone dear to us, finding solace and understanding can be a healing balm for the soul. In this collection of quotes, sayings, prayers, proverbs, and poems, we explore the wisdom and comfort that can be found in moments of loss and mourning.
Blessed are Those Who Mourn – Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:4 RSV)
In the words of Jesus Christ, we find a source of comfort for those who mourn: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” These words remind us that even in our darkest moments of grief, there is a promise of solace and healing.
The Measure of a Life Well-Lived – Bessie Anderson Stanley
Bessie Anderson Stanley reflects on a life well-lived and the legacy left behind: “Remember the man who served his almighty Creator, his country, his community, and most of all, his family… whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction.” In times of loss, we can find comfort in celebrating the meaningful lives of those we’ve lost.
Embracing the Inevitability of Death – Socrates
Socrates offers a perspective on death and its inevitability: “Be of good cheer about death and know this as a truth – that no evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death.” While death is a natural part of life, it need not be feared.
Reunion Beyond the Veil – John Taylor
John Taylor’s words remind us that while we mourn the loss of a loved one, they may be rejoicing on the other side of the veil. It’s a comforting thought that our departed loved ones may have found peace and happiness in the afterlife.
The Meaning of Death and Legacy – Russell Andrews
Russell Andrews invites us to contemplate the true nature of death and the legacy we leave behind: “Let us all understand that death is not an eraser…reflect on the definition they’ve left behind.” In this perspective, death is not an end but a continuation of the impact we’ve had on others.
Love and the Experience of Life – David Lasater
David Lasater reminds us of the profound connection between love and the experience of life: “I have died many a death in love, and yet, had I not loved I would never have lived at all.” Love is a powerful force that enriches our lives, even in the face of loss.
Living Fully – Willa Cather
Willa Cather’s words encourage us to live life to the fullest: “I shall not die of a cold. I shall die of having lived.” Embracing life’s experiences, both joys and challenges, is a testament to a life well-lived.
Transition to a New Dawn – Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore offers a beautiful perspective on death as a transition: “Death is not extinguishing the light. It is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.” Death is not an end but a transition to a new phase, a new beginning.
Eternal Love and Life – Rossiter W. Raymond
Rossiter W. Raymond reminds us that love transcends death: “Life is eternal and love is immortal; And death is only a horizon… And a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.” Love endures beyond the boundaries of time and space.
Awakening Beyond Death – Sir Walter Scott
Sir Walter Scott reflects on the idea that death is not the end but a new beginning: “Is death the last sleep? No – it is the last and final awakening.” This perspective offers solace to those who believe in the continuation of the soul.
The Inevitability of Time and Death – Dutch Proverb
A Dutch proverb succinctly states the inevitability of time and death: “Time goes, death comes.” This reminder encourages us to make the most of the time we have and cherish our moments with loved ones.
The Transition to Eternity – Seneca
Seneca ponders the nature of death as a transition: “The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity.” Instead of fearing death, we can see it as the gateway to an eternal existence.
A Life Remembered – Indian Proverb
An Indian proverb beautifully captures the essence of a life well-lived and remembered: “When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.” It encourages us to leave a legacy of love and positive impact.
Love Beyond the Veil – William Penn
William Penn emphasizes the enduring nature of love beyond death: “They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies.” Love is eternal and transcends the boundaries of mortality.
Life and Death as Parts of a Greater Journey – Chinese Proverb
A Chinese proverb views life as a dream and death as going home: “Life is a dream walking, death is going home.” This perspective invites us to see life and death as integral parts of a greater journey.
In times of loss and mourning, these quotes, sayings, prayers, proverbs, and poems offer comfort and guidance. They remind us of the enduring nature of love, the significance of a life well-lived, and the transition to what may lie beyond. Grief may be a painful journey, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on the beauty and meaning of life, the legacy we leave behind, and the love that binds us all.