How to Create a Funeral Prayer Card Template
Christi Anderson
Funeral prayer cards are one of the most cherished keepsakes distributed during a memorial service. Unlike full programs or booklets, prayer cards are small, typically wallet-sized items that guests can carry with them as daily reminders of their loved one. They often feature a photo, birth and death dates, a short prayer or scripture, and sometimes a poem or personal message. Designing a reusable funeral prayer card template ensures that families and funeral homes can create meaningful, polished cards quickly while still leaving room for personalization. With expert resources from the Funeral Program Site, anyone can design prayer cards that combine beauty, faith, and remembrance.
Why Prayer Cards Are Important
Prayer cards hold a unique place in funeral stationery because of their intimate size and personal use. Guests often tuck them into wallets, Bibles, or photo frames, keeping them close as daily reminders of comfort and faith. Their significance lies in:
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Portability: Small enough to be carried daily.
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Keepsake Value: Preserved long after the service.
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Faith Connection: Featuring prayers or scriptures to provide ongoing comfort.
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Personalization: Allowing families to honor their loved one with meaningful words and imagery.
Creating a reusable template simplifies the process while ensuring each card feels personalized.
Step 1: Choose the Size and Format
Prayer cards typically measure:
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2.5" x 4.25" – The most common size, similar to a wallet photo.
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3" x 5" – Slightly larger, providing more space for text or images.
Cards may be single-sided or double-sided, with the front featuring the loved one’s photo and basic details, and the back displaying a prayer, poem, or scripture.
Step 2: Set Up the Document
In design software such as Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, Canva, or Publisher:
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Page Size: Match the card dimensions or set up multiple cards on an 8.5" x 11" sheet for batch printing.
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Margins: Leave at least 0.25 inches around edges for trimming.
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Guidelines: Use grids or guides to align text and photos neatly.
This setup ensures cards are consistent and easy to cut.
Step 3: Add Placeholder Sections
A template should include placeholders for:
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Photo of the Loved One
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Full Name
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Birth and Death Dates
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Prayer, Scripture, or Poem
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Closing Message (Optional): Such as “Forever in Our Hearts” or “Rest in Peace.”
These placeholders allow for quick updates without redesigning each card.
Step 4: Design with Elegance
Prayer cards should be simple yet dignified. Consider:
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Fonts: Use decorative script for names or headings, paired with serif or sans serif fonts for prayers.
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Images: Religious icons such as crosses, doves, or rosaries; or scenic images like sunsets, flowers, or nature.
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Colors: Muted tones for traditional services; brighter colors for celebrations of life.
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Borders/Frames: Subtle flourishes that highlight the photo or text.
Templates from the Funeral Program Site balance visual beauty with readability, ensuring cards are polished and meaningful.
Step 5: Save for Reuse
When the design is finalized, save it in a template format:
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Word:
.dotx -
InDesign:
.indt -
Canva: Save and duplicate for new services.
This ensures the design can be quickly reused for future needs.
Step 6: Print or Laminate
Prayer cards are often printed on cardstock for durability. For lasting keepsakes, many families choose to laminate them. Printing tips include:
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Use 80–100 lb cardstock.
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Print multiple cards per sheet to save costs.
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Consider professional printing for lamination and high-resolution images.
Professionally printed prayer cards are more durable and polished, making them treasured keepsakes for years.
Personalization Ideas
To make prayer cards even more meaningful, families can:
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Add the deceased’s favorite prayer, hymn, or scripture.
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Include a personal quote or saying.
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Use themed imagery that reflects hobbies or passions.
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Design a series of cards with different photos for distribution.
These touches ensure the prayer card feels unique and heartfelt.
Final Thoughts
Creating a funeral prayer card template provides families with a meaningful way to honor their loved one while simplifying the design process for future services. With placeholders, elegant design, and durable printing, prayer cards become daily reminders of love and faith.
For expert templates and professional printing, the Funeral Program Site remains the trusted source. Its compassionate guidance ensures that every prayer card is polished, dignified, and enduring.
About the Author
Christi Anderson is the founder of The Funeral Program Site and an author dedicated to helping families create meaningful memorials. With years of experience in funeral stationery and personalized tributes, she has guided thousands of families through the process of honoring their loved ones with dignity. Explore her books and resources on her Amazon Author Page.
