Novena Prayer for the Dead

If this prayer was helpful, you’re invited to receive our weekly email - 100% Catholic reflections and prayers to support your daily prayer life.

summary

The Novena Prayer for the Dead, also known as the Novena for the Faithful Departed, is a traditional Catholic devotion prayed for nine days for the souls of the faithful departed. It is offered for loved ones who have died, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, and as preparation for All Souls’ Day. The novena expresses both sorrow at loss and Christian hope in the Resurrection, uniting our prayers to God’s mercy for the purification of souls. Catholics often pray this devotion for nine days after a death, during the month of November, or on death anniversaries.

When to Pray

The Novena for the Dead is most often prayed in the nine days following the death of a loved one or after the funeral. It is also prayed leading up to All Souls’ Day on November 2, and on the anniversaries of a loved one’s passing. Many Catholics also offer it at any time of the year for the repose of forgotten souls in Purgatory.

Day 1

Lord, You are the Resurrection and the Life. Today I lift up to You the soul of my loved one and all the faithful departed. Receive them into Your mercy and comfort those who mourn. Eternal rest grant unto them…

Day 2

Merciful Jesus, through Your Passion and Cross, cleanse the souls of the departed from every stain of sin. May Your Precious Blood bring them into everlasting joy. Eternal rest grant unto them…

Day 3

Loving Savior, many of the faithful departed await the fulfillment of Your promise of eternal life. Through my prayers and sacrifices, hasten the day of their union with You in heaven. Eternal rest grant unto them…

Day 4

God of mercy, I entrust to You the souls most in need of Your compassion—those forgotten and abandoned in prayer. By Your boundless love, welcome them into Your eternal embrace. Eternal rest grant unto them…

Day 5

Lord of hope, console my heart as I remember the dead. Help me to live in faith so that one day I may join them in praising You forever. Eternal rest grant unto them…

Day 6

Father of mercy, I pray for all my departed relatives and friends. May our bonds of love be renewed in the kingdom where every tear will be wiped away. Eternal rest grant unto them…

Day 7

Jesus, Friend of sinners, hear my prayer for those who still long for Your light. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, bring them swiftly into Your presence. Eternal rest grant unto them…

Day 8

God of love, Your mercy is without end. May the souls for whom I pray find refreshment, peace, and eternal rest in You. Eternal rest grant unto them…

Day 9

Eternal God, today I complete this novena with confidence in Your promise of life everlasting. Receive the faithful departed into the joy of heaven, and grant me perseverance until I too share in their company. Eternal rest grant unto them…