Novena

Leader:

We are gathered together to pray for the repose of

the soul of our friend, Cynthia.  Our faith teaches us
that for God’s faithful people life is changed, not
ended;  when the body of our earthly dwelling lies
in death we gain an everlasting dwelling place in
heaven.

Filled with hope in Jesus Christ our Lord who died

to destroy our death and rose again to give us new
life, let us proclaim our faith.
APOSTLES' CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

      creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
      who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
      and born of the virgin Mary.
      He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, died, and was buried;
      he descended to hell.
      The third day he rose again from the dead.
      He ascended to heaven
      and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
      From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
      the holy catholic* church,
      the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins,
      the resurrection of the body,
      and the life everlasting. Amen
Leader:
Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are
with me.

All:
Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are
with me.

Leader:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  In verdant pastures he
gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me;  he refreshes
my soul.

All:
Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are
with me.
Leader:
He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk
in the dark valley I fear no evil;  For you are at my side  with your rod
and your staff that give me courage.

All:
Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are
with me.

Leader:
You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes;  You anoint
my head with oil; my cup overflows.

All:
Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are
with me.
Leader:
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life; And I shall dwell
in the house of the Lord for years to
come.

All:
Though I walk in the valley of darkness,
I fear no evil, for you are with me.
Leader:
Let us all recite the prayer of Acceptance of Death.

All:
We, too, O God, will descend into the grave
whenever it shall please You, as it shall please You
and wheresoever it shall please You. Let Your just
decrees be fulfilled. Let our sinful bodies return to their
parent dust, but in Your great mercy, receive our
immortal souls, and when our bodies have risen again,
place them likewise in Your kingdom
that way we may love and bless You For ever and ever
Amen.
Leader:
God, the almighty Father, raised Christ his Son from the dead; with
confidence we ask him to save his people, living and dead.

Our friend, Cynthia; was given the promise of eternal life in baptism; Lord,
give her communion with your saints for ever.

All:
Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:
Cynthia ate the bread of eternal life, the body of Christ; raise her up, Lord,
at the last day.

All:
Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:
We pray for our brothers and sisters, our relatives, for all who were close to
us and good to us; Lord, give them the reward of their goodness.

All:
Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader:
We pray for all who have died in the hope of rising again;
welcome them, Lord, into the light of your presence.

All:
Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:
We pray for all who have gathered here to pray together with faith; Lord,
make us one in your kingdom.

All:
Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:
Lord, hear our prayers for our departed brothers and sisters; Forgive them
their sins, and bring them to the fullness of your salvation. We ask this
through Christ our Lord.

All:
Amen.
Leader: Let us pray. Lord, hear our prayers and be merciful to Your
daughter, Cynthia, whom you have called from this life. Welcome
her into the company of Your saints, in the kingdom of light and
peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Leader: Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.

All: And let perpetual light shine upon her.

Leader: May she rest in peace.

All: Amen

Leader: May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace.

All: Amen
Leader:
Let us pray. Father, God of all consolation, in Your unending
love and mercy for us You turn the darkness of death into the
dawn of new life. Show compassion to Your people in their
sorrow.

Be our refuge and our strength to lift us from the darkness of

this grief to the peace and light of your presence.

Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by dying for us, conquered
death and by rising again, restored life.

May we then go forward eagerly to meet him, and after our life
on earth be reunited with our brothers and sisters where every
tear will be wiped away. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All:
Amen