Commemorating the Dead on All Saints
Below is the form we use for the commemoration of the saints at Redeemer in Ft. Wayne. It is a continuation of the old Lutheran custom of the Totenfest. It is prayed as the conclusion to the Prayer of the Church. The part in italics is not read out loud but each name is read at that point. In this way, we hope to honor the faith that God gave to His children which He has now called home and to comfort those who mourn with the promise that we will see them again.
“I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.’” Let us remember with thanksgiving those who have gone before us with the sign of faith, for they were redeemed by God. He gave them new life through His Son in Holy Baptism. He nourished them in the company of His people at His holy table. In His mercy and wisdom, He summoned them to His nearer presence so that they may rest in His blissful peace forever.
The names of those who received the ministry of this congregation during their last days and received a Christian burial in the past year are read and the bell tolled. There will be a pause for all to name in their hearts their loved ones who have fallen asleep in Jesus. Then the bell will be tolled three more times. The prayer below will then be read.
In joyful expectation of the resurrection to life, we remember before You, O Lord, all our departed kin and friends who have gone before us in the faith. We offer thanksgiving for the gift of faith and hold fast to the certainty of Your promises. We implore You, remember Your Church throughout the world; make all its members grow in love for You and for one another. As You have received our brothers and sisters who have gone to their rest in the hope of the resurrection to eternal life, bring us at the last with them into the light of Your presence, that in union with all Your saints we may give You glory forever, through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.