A Prayer for a Celebration of Life

God of every good gift, today we are not only grieving — we are giving thanks.

Thank You for a life that blessed so many: for the stories we will tell today, the laughter that will surprise us through tears, the love that filled the years You gave.

As we celebrate, keep us honest — we are glad for the life, and we are sad for the loss, and both belong in this room. Receive the one we love, and help each of us carry forward the best of what they gave us.

Amen.

When to Pray This

A celebration of life is often less formal than a funeral — this prayer suits an opening welcome, a moment before a shared meal, or the close of a slideshow of memories. It leaves room for joy without rushing anyone's grief.

A Verse to Hold On To

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven... a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." — Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (KJV)