What to Write on a Funeral Prayer Card: Ideas and Tips

Funeral prayer cards are a cherished tradition in memorial services, serving as both a keepsake and a source of comfort for family and friends. These small cards, usually featuring a photo of the deceased and a meaningful prayer or verse, provide attendees with a tangible way to honor and remember a loved one. Beyond design and layout, the text you choose for the card plays a critical role in creating something heartfelt and memorable. But what should you write on a funeral prayer card?
This guide offers practical tips and thoughtful ideas to help you craft the perfect wording for your cards. From traditional prayers to personalized messages, we’ll cover everything you need to know. For examples of professionally designed templates, explore these funeral prayer cards that make customization simple and meaningful.
Why Words Matter on a Funeral Prayer Card
The message on a funeral prayer card is more than just text—it’s a reflection of the person’s life, faith, and the emotions of those left behind. A well-chosen prayer, scripture, or quote can provide comfort during a time of grief and serve as a source of strength long after the funeral service ends.
Prayer cards often become keepsakes tucked into wallets, Bibles, or memory boxes. The words you include will be read and reflected upon many times, making it essential to choose them thoughtfully.
What Information to Include
While every funeral prayer card can be customized, most contain these standard elements:
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Full Name of the Deceased: Include first, middle, and last name for clarity.
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Dates of Birth and Passing: Helps commemorate the life span of your loved one.
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A Photo: A clear, high-quality image that captures their essence.
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A Prayer, Verse, or Quote: The heart of the card’s message.
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Optional Thank-You Note: A short line of gratitude for those attending or supporting the family.
For sample layouts and creative ideas, you can reference these detailed funeral prayer card templates for inspiration.
Popular Prayers for Funeral Prayer Cards
1. The Lord’s Prayer
“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. Amen.”
2. Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.”
3. Serenity Prayer
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”
4. Hail Mary
“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.”
5. Eternal Rest
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”
Scripture Verses to Include
Many families prefer Bible passages that speak of comfort, hope, and eternal life. Here are some options:
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John 14:1-3: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms.”
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Romans 8:38-39: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
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Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
Inspirational Quotes for Funeral Prayer Cards
If you prefer something less religious or want to complement a prayer with an uplifting message, consider these quotes:
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“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”
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“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” — Helen Keller
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“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” — Thomas Campbell
Personalized Messages for a Unique Touch
Adding a personal message can make the card even more special. Examples include:
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“Forever in our hearts.”
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“In loving memory of a life so beautifully lived.”
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“Your memory will be a treasure we keep in our hearts.”
These simple words add warmth and emotion, turning the card into a meaningful keepsake.
Tips for Writing the Perfect Message
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Keep It Short and Meaningful: Space on the card is limited, so choose words that are impactful yet concise.
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Reflect Their Personality: Select prayers, verses, or quotes that represent the individual’s beliefs and values.
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Coordinate with Other Stationery: Match the tone and wording with the funeral program and other memorial items.
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Proofread Carefully: Ensure names, dates, and text are accurate before printing.
Designing the Card Around Your Words
The layout of the text should complement the design of the card. Choose readable fonts and a size that allows the message to stand out. Most cards feature the name and photo on the front, with the prayer or verse on the back. Elegant borders, soft colors, and thoughtful typography can enhance the overall presentation.
For easy customization and design, The Funeral Program Site offers a wide range of templates that allow you to add your chosen text with minimal effort. Their professional layouts ensure your cards look polished and respectful.
Printing and Distribution
Once the content and design are finalized, you can choose between:
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Home Printing: Ideal for those on a budget or with tight timelines.
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Professional Printing: Offers premium quality and finishes such as matte or gloss.
Order slightly more than your expected attendance to account for mailing needs and keepsakes for family members.
Final Thoughts
Writing the right words for a funeral prayer card is an important step in creating a meaningful tribute. Whether you select a traditional prayer, a heartfelt scripture, or a personal message, the key is to keep it thoughtful and reflective of your loved one’s life. By combining beautiful words with a well-designed layout, you can create a keepsake that offers comfort for years to come.
Author Bio
Christi Anderson is the founder of The Funeral Program Site, a leading provider of memorial products for over 20 years. She specializes in helping families create personalized tributes that honor life and provide lasting comfort. Discover more of her resources and books on her Amazon Author Page.
