In this modern era, many people prefer different ways of sending off their departed loved ones apart from conventional burials.
One of the newly adopted ways is cremation, which involves burning the dead body before spreading the ashes or storing them in an urn. After the cremation, many believers spread their loved one’s ashes in different areas.
It’s crucial to accompany the ash-spreading process with some prayers, which are essential for ensuring a blessed and peaceful session. This post compiles seven beautiful prayers when spreading ashes for blessing and peace.
Before you even start, save these prayers for my mom in haven.
1) Short Prayer When Spreading Ashes
“Dear Jesus,
We gather before You today, thanking You for the gift of this beautiful day that we are preparing to spread our loved one’s ashes.
Even though we are in intense grief, we trust in Your goodness and mercies to bless and shower us with peace during these difficult times.
We pray that You may let (name of the deceased) soul rest in eternal peace and that we may stay strong and united by their memory.
In Your mighty name, we pray and believe. Amen.”
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
Preparing to spread your loved one’s ashes after cremation can be disheartening and often calls for God’s strength and comfort.
You can be assured that you’re not on this journey alone because God promises to “heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds“, as illustrated in Psalm 147:3.
Saying the above prayer when spreading ashes can offer calmness and solace that you may not have acquired while staying silent.
It’s also a way of honoring your loved one who just passed away and expressing your deep sorrow to God, the only one who truly understands it.
If your loved one was prayerful, this prayer can be the best tribute to offer in their honor. God will also increase your faith in Him amid this tough experience.
Also save these graveside prayers for burial of ashes.
2) Miracle Prayer for Scattering Ashes
“Great Miracle Worker,
Thank You for giving us peace and comfort in this challenging moment when we spread our loved one’s ashes.
It hasn’t been easy, but we are grateful and happy because we believe that (name of the deceased) is now in Your safe hands. Thank You that our loved one is now walking in the street of Heaven with happiness and peace.
Please comfort our hearts as we struggle over their loss. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen.”
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
Although the burning of bodies isn’t directly mentioned in the Bible, some modern-day Christians have adopted the practice as a way of burying their loved ones.
If you’ve embraced cremation, praying when scattering the ashes is the best to invite God’s blessing. You can confidently adopt the above prayer or modify it to suit your personal preference.
It’s also essential to incorporate memories, expressions, or personal reflections associated with the departed while praying. This creates a more intimate last moment and offers emotional support while serving as a form of unity to the bereaved.
3) Beautiful Prayer for Scattering Ashes at Sea
“Dear Lord,
As we stand before one of Your vastest creations, the sea, we thank You for receiving our loved one’s soul in Your warm hands. Today as we scatter our loved one’s ashes at sea, we believe You will raise them to Your glory.
We are gathered here to spread these ashes in honor of (name of the deceased), whose spirit is now with the eternal flow of the sea.
Please let them rest in peace until we meet again because You’re the source of eternal life. May You heal every mourning heart today and reassure us of Your goodness amid this difficult time.
Thank You, Father. Amen.”
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
The sea is among the most popular places where people scatter their loved one’s ashes after cremation. You could be wondering why.
This is due to the peace and tranquility that comes with the expansive nature of this water body, ensuring solace and comfort to the bereaved.
Furthermore, many people love the sea and often connect deeply with it by spending their free or meaningful moments there, hence choosing it as their eternal resting place.
By saying this prayer and spreading your loved one ashes at the sea, you’re giving them peace and eternal rest.
Also save these prayers for someone who is dying.
4) Blessing of Ashes after Cremation Prayer
“God of Heaven,
We approach You this day with the remains of our cherished departed (name of the deceased), asking You to bless and make them a testament to their legacy.
In these ashes, their memories we hold dearly, therefore ask You with Your divine mercy and grace that You may keep them safe. As we prepare to spread them, let us find comfort in believing that our loved one is embraced by Your merciful arms.
Lord, give us the strength to sail through this grief in Your Holy Name. Amen.”
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
Blessing ashes after cremation can be undertaken for various purposes, including honoring the life and legacy of the departed and seeking divine guidance and protection before scattering them.
In some denominations and beliefs, it’s also a way of purifying and cleansing the remains from evil forces or attachments, hence a peaceful transition to glory.
You can cast everything on the Lord, and He will sustain you. He promises never to allow His righteous ones to be moved emotionally or physically according to Psalm 55:22.
5) Bible Verse for Scattering Ashes Ceremony
“Oh Lord,
For if we live, we live for You; if we die, we die in You. So then, whether we live or die, we belong to You. For this to end, Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord to the dead and the living.
(Romans 14:8-9)Thank You because despite losing our loved one, we know (name of the deceased) lived for You and therefore died in You. Amen.”
The above Bible verse emphasizes God’s power over the living and dead, putting Him as the only controller of our lives.
Therefore, as you seek to hold an ash-scattering ceremony for your loved one, remember that we all belong to the Lord and will one day return to Him.
This scripture also warns believers against judging others as God is the only judge of our deeds on earth. Instead of thinking or judging how the departed lived their life, pray for their ashes to find solace in God’s arms and rest in peace.
However, the Bible reminds us in Proverbs 11:30 to live righteously before our death while maintaining a firm relationship with the Creator so we may find solace and reassurance when we die.
Also save these catholic prayers of the faithful for funeral.
6) Scripture to Read While Scattering Ashes
“Heavenly Father,
For we know that if the earth we stay in is destroyed, we have a building from You, an eternal house in Heaven, not constructed by human hands” (2 Corinthians 5:1).
Despite the fading away of our loved one’s time on earth, they have inherited a beautiful home in paradise where nothing can destroy it. May (name of the deceased) rest peacefully by Your side. Amen.”
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
In the above scripture, Paul urges believers to have hope in death because God is preparing for them a greater place that is permanent and not built by human hands, hence not prone to destruction.
He also used the term to illustrate the temporary nature of the human body, which is subject to death when God decides.
2 Corinthians 5:1 can be a good scripture to fill the bereaved with confidence and reassurance in resurrection and transition to God’s kingdom while spreading ashes.
It also reminds them that death is not the end of everything but just a gateway to great and everlasting life in God’s presence.
7) Words to Say When Scattering Mum’s Ashes
“Mother, as I scatter the ashes of what was once your beautiful body, remember that I love you so much.
Thank you for being my source of strength, inspiration, and love for all those years. I promise to carry your memories with me forever.
Saying goodbye to you hurts, but I believe you will always live with me in spirit. I release these ashes as a sign of letting you rest in peace. I love you, Mum.”
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
Scattering your mother’s ashes can be an emotional moment filled with sadness, grief and deep memories. However, you can take that opportunity to express your deepest feelings and memories about your mother through the above words.
Be sure to say everything you feel in your heart because holding it back could negatively affect your healing.
There are no right or wrong words to say when scattering your mum’s ashes. What’s important is remaining true to your prevailing emotions and thoughts during this significant moment of your life.
Before you leave, save these prayers for a peaceful death.
What to Say when Scattering Someone’s Ashes?
There are a lot of words you can say when scattering someone’s ashes in the form of prayers, poems, quotes, life memories, history, or a memorable personal experience you had with them.
Whatever words you choose, just keep it simple, consider their faith, speak from the heart, listen to what other mourners say, and keep it positive.
Can I Say More Than One Prayer?
Absolutely! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 urges believers to pray without ceasing, meaning there’s no limit to the number of prayers you can say from the above samples provided.
However, it’s not the number of prayers that matters but the amount of faith you have in God through your prayers and actions.
Can I Print These Prayers?
Yes! You can print these prayers if you’re preparing to spread your loved one’s ashes or help you heal. Sharing some copies with other mourners during the ash-spreading ceremony would also be important.
Final Thoughts
Spreading ashes is such a sad moment where people often lack words to say since they’re filled with emotions.
Hopefully, these prayers will help you find the right words when spreading ashes, ensuring that whatever you say will be appropriate for the moment. Remember to ask God to walk you through this difficult moment victoriously.