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

Shine Funeral Prayer Card Design & Print (Pack of 50) - The Funeral Program Site

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:

  • Full Name of the Deceased: Include first, middle, and last name for clarity.

  • Dates of Birth and Passing: Helps commemorate the life span of your loved one.

  • A Photo: A clear, high-quality image that captures their essence.

  • A Prayer, Verse, or Quote: The heart of the card’s message.

  • 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:

  • 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.”

  • Romans 8:38-39: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

  • 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:

  • “Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”

  • “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” — Helen Keller

  • “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:

  • “Forever in our hearts.”

  • “In loving memory of a life so beautifully lived.”

  • “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

  1. Keep It Short and Meaningful: Space on the card is limited, so choose words that are impactful yet concise.

  2. Reflect Their Personality: Select prayers, verses, or quotes that represent the individual’s beliefs and values.

  3. Coordinate with Other Stationery: Match the tone and wording with the funeral program and other memorial items.

  4. 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:

  • Home Printing: Ideal for those on a budget or with tight timelines.

  • 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.

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Featured Funeral Prayer Cards

Funeral prayer cards are a timeless and cherished tradition used to honor and remember the life of a loved one during memorial services. These small cards typically feature a meaningful prayer, poem, or verse on one side, with the name, photo, and important life dates of the deceased on the other. They are often distributed to guests at the service as a personal keepsake, offering comfort and solace to those grieving. Funeral prayer cards can serve as a spiritual reminder of the faith and love that surrounded the departed, making them a meaningful addition to any memorial or celebration of life service.

One of the most significant aspects of funeral prayer cards is their ability to be personalized. Families can choose a prayer or poem that resonates with their loved one’s beliefs or legacy, adding a deeply personal touch to the card. Additionally, many cards include a photograph of the deceased, bringing a sense of connection and remembrance for those attending the service. The design can range from traditional religious symbols, such as crosses or doves, to floral patterns or scenic landscapes, reflecting the personality and preferences of the departed.

Funeral prayer cards also serve as a lasting memento for those who attend the service. After the ceremony, guests often keep the cards as a way to continue honoring the memory of their loved one. The small size of the cards makes them easy to carry in a wallet, purse, or book, providing a source of comfort and reflection long after the service has ended. In this way, the cards transcend the memorial, acting as a physical reminder of the connection and faith shared with the deceased, offering moments of peace and remembrance in daily life.

With the variety of customizable options available, funeral prayer cards can be tailored to suit the tone and style of the service, whether it’s a traditional religious funeral or a more personalized celebration of life. They not only offer a meaningful way to reflect on the life of the deceased but also help unify the service by bringing guests together in shared prayers or reflections. Overall, funeral prayer cards play a significant role in honoring the departed, offering comfort to mourners, and creating a lasting tribute that can be cherished for years to come.

Use Funeral Prayer Cards For Honoring A Memory

A funeral prayer card is a small yet deeply meaningful keepsake often distributed at memorial services to honor the memory of a loved one. Typically the size of a business card, these cards feature a photo of the deceased, their name, and important dates, along with a short prayer, scripture, or poem that reflects their faith or values. Funeral prayer cards provide attendees with a personal token of remembrance, allowing them to carry a piece of the service with them. The compact size makes them easy to keep in a wallet or purse, serving as a comforting reminder of the love, faith, and shared memories surrounding the departed.

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How to Use Funerall Booklet Templates

Using funeral booklet templates can simplify the process of creating a meaningful and well-organized tribute during a difficult time. These templates provide a pre-designed structure, allowing you to focus on personalizing the content without worrying about the layout or formatting. Typically, funeral booklet templates include sections for the order of service, obituary, prayers, hymns, and personal tributes, making it easy to ensure that all necessary information is included. By selecting a template that reflects the tone and style of the service, whether formal or more relaxed, you can create a booklet that aligns with the atmosphere of the memorial.

The first step in using a funeral booklet template is choosing one that suits your needs. Many templates offer a variety of designs, from simple and elegant to more elaborate styles with floral borders or religious symbols. Consider the personality of your loved one and the type of service you’re planning when selecting a template. Once you’ve chosen the design, download the template in a format compatible with your software, such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Adobe InDesign. Most templates are customizable, allowing you to modify colors, fonts, and images to make the booklet more personal.

After selecting and downloading the template, begin by entering the essential details. Start with the front cover, which typically includes the name of the deceased, dates of birth and death, and perhaps a meaningful photo or quote. Inside the booklet, follow the template’s structure to input the order of service, including any readings, hymns, or eulogies. Many templates also offer space for a short biography or obituary, where you can share highlights of your loved one’s life, achievements, and special memories. This section often serves as a heartfelt tribute that helps attendees reflect on the life being celebrated.

Once the content is added, take the time to review and make any final adjustments to the layout. Ensure that all photos are clear and properly aligned, and that the text is easy to read. If the template allows, consider adding personal touches such as favorite quotes, scriptures, or poems. When satisfied, save the final version and print the booklet using high-quality paper to ensure it looks polished and professional. By using a funeral booklet template, you can create a meaningful and beautiful keepsake that honors your loved one while reducing the stress of designing from scratch.

Funeral Booklet Templates

Using a funeral booklet template also allows you to easily collaborate with other family members or friends during the creation process. Since templates are typically editable and sharable, you can involve loved ones in choosing photos, adding memories, or suggesting prayers and readings. This collaborative approach can help ensure that the booklet truly reflects the diverse experiences and relationships your loved one had.

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