Freepik
FUNERAL CHURCH SERVICE FOR MINERS
Let us pray for all miners who have died underground, and for those whose bodies still lie underground.
Church Service:
Priest: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
Congregation: "Amen."
Priest: "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: I myself shall see Him with my own eyes." Job 19:25,27a
PSALM 23:
Priest and Congregation:
"The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures, in which He gives me repose.
He guides me along the right paths, for His Name's sake.
Even though I walk in the valley of death, I will fear no evil,
For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my foes.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Priest: "May the Light of the Redeemer Christ shine within our lives. Lord, have mercy."
Congregation: "Lord, have mercy."
Priest: "Christ, have mercy."
Congregation: "Christ, have mercy."
Priest: "Lord, have mercy."
Congregation: "Lord, have mercy."
Priest: "May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life."
Congregation: "Amen."
READING:
Priest: "A reading from the gospel of St Luke, chapter 2, verses 1 to 16.
"I am the Resurrection and the Life, says the LORD: the one who believes in Me, even though they die, yet shall they live: and whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.' " John 11;25,26
"This is the Word of the Lord."
Congregation: "Thanks be to God."
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT:
Priest: "Let us remember all who have died underground. We pray for those who have passed and remain in shafts underground. God our Father knows each miner by name. Miners, departed from this earth, remain safe within the Hands of the God who made each one of us.
We pray for all who braved the perils of the underground in search of a better life. We remember the sacrifices of miners who risked their lives in order to ensure shelter and sustenance for their loved ones.
We remember those trafficked into the pits of the mining industry. We remember children who laboured underground. We remember those who lie there, unclaimed but not forgotten by the Almighty.
We pray for the families, colleagues and friends of all who have passed underground, and ask God to help them in their grief.
We pray for all those who have suffered underground.
We take comfort in knowing that Jesus, Who is the Resurrection and the Life, will lead them into the Heavenly Kingdom. No-one is born and dies without the Father knowing. May He be merciful to all His children who were miners, especially those most in need of His Mercy."
ACCEPTING JESUS CHRIST:
If you wish to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, please visit the following Prayer Chapel:
http://churchinterfaith.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/how-to-receive-jesus-christ-as-your.html
REPENTANCE OF SIN:
If you wish to visit the Chapel of Repentance, visit the following Prayer Chapel:
http://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2017/03/prayer-chapel-of-repentance.html
BREAKING OF BREAD:
Priest: "Almighty God, You sent Your only Son to our world because You loved us so much. We praise You, Father, that on the night before He gave His Life, our Lord Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying: "Take, eat, this is My Body which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me."
Congregation: "Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life,"
Priest: "After the same manner, He took the cup, gave thanks and gave it to them, saying: "Take this, all of you, and drink, for this is My Blood: the Blood of the New Covenant which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of Me."
Congregation: "Lord Jesus, You are the Cup of Life, the wine that is blessed for our salvation."
(Here spiritually partake of the Body and Blood of Christ within in the Eucharist. Be assured He has come to you.)
Spend some time in silent prayer.
THE LORD'S PRAYER:
Priest and congregation: "Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, Amen."
BLESSING:
Priest: "God, our Creator and Redeemer, by Your Power Christ conquered death and entered into glory. Confident of His victory, and claiming His promises, we now leave Your servants in Your gracious keeping, in the Name of Jesus our Lord, Who died and is alive, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who by Your burial did sanctify an earthly grave; bless and hallow the underground graves of miners, that they may be peaceful resting-places for the bodies of Your servants. Through Your Mercy, O Blessed Saviour, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. "
FINAL HYMN: IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
