According to the Bible, death is separated into two forms: physical death and spiritual death. Souls are separated from bodies through physical death, whereas souls are separated from God through spiritual death.

There are more than 50 instances in the Bible where death is compared to sleep. When we die, we lose our physical consciousness, and we aren’t aware of what’s happening around us. 

The Bible says, “For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing… their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). 

Because of this, it's understandable that Lazarus doesn't share what he saw or experienced after being raised from the dead by Jesus. He hadn't experienced hell nor heaven yet, and he didn't have anything to tell us, except that he used to be dead and is now alive again. 

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Each of us will experience death and the loss of loved ones and family members at some point in our lives. Despite being a normal emotion, grief feels totally foreign when we experience it. 

The reason is that most of the time, when we encounter loss, it's spaced out quite a bit over our lifetime. Because of this, grief is a very strange emotion to feel when we don't experience it often. 

The loss of a loved one reminds us of our mortality and the longing to be with them again.

Amid pain, God promises to be with us and to provide us with peace and protection. In addition to eternal life in heaven, God's word in the Bible promises eternal life for those who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. For the love of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit heals all wounds.

Praying for someone whose life is ending is one of the most powerful things we can do for them. 

To find spiritual healing and comfort during times of suffering from a terminal illness or impending death of a loved one, look to the Lord. The following prayers are wonderful to use to offer peace to a dying person and their loved ones during a difficult time.

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Prayer for the loss of a loved one

O God, our Father, as our loved one departs this world, I lift our family through your grace. I pray that you’re with us during this time of grief. Please surround us and our loved ones with your presence and peace. The children that are left behind grieve deeply for their parents. The siblings grieve for their lost brother/sister. The parents grieve for their lost child. 

Lord Jesus Christ, give us comfort, and heal our hearts. As I speak to our dying loved one, use my body as your vessel. May the words comfort the soul of our loved one as they take their last breath. Hold them in your loving arms as they journey to meet you in heaven. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.  

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Prayer for salvation

Dear Lord, as I lay dying, I ask for your forgiveness and mercy. Despite my best efforts, I know I haven't always lived by your word. I’m truly sorry for that. It’s my sincere regret that I didn’t ask for salvation until my dying day. I know I don't deserve your commendation. Yet I know in my heart you’re a merciful and Eternal God, full of grace and love. 

‍While I didn’t dedicate myself to you in life, I dedicate myself to you now in death. As I take my last breath, I ask you to be the one in charge of my soul. Heavenly Father, I'm grateful to you for helping me spend the rest of my eternity with you. Amen.

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Prayer of comfort for the dying 

Almighty God, the shadow of death is upon [name]. Lead them to your peace and give them comfort during this difficult time. They will feel at ease when they know you care for them and that you love them. Let your love calm the souls of those who are passing. Thank you for protecting the loved ones they leave behind. 

It is you, Heavenly Father, who will eventually lead this family to be reunited someday in your Holy Kingdom. At the time of death, let your presence provide rest on their last day on earth. We thank you for bringing them into the world. Until the end of time, may they rest in peace with you. Amen.

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Eternal rest prayer

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

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Prayer for the terminally ill

O Lord, we come to you today to ask you to bring calmness to our loved ones who are sick. Show them your love as they go through this challenging time. If it’s your will to heal them, then we humbly ask you to do so. But if you have other plans for their souls, we ask you to guide them to heaven peacefully.

It’s our prayer that God removes from our hearts anything that brings fear and uncertainty. As our loved one fights this battle, remind them that they’re not alone. As long as you are there, they have a helping hand. As they reach the end of their earthly lives, receive them into your presence, and let them witness your glory. In the name of the Savior, we believe and pray, Amen. 

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Death can be feared even by the most devout and secure believer. After all, our systems are hardwired to avoid death. 

But death is a part of God's design for the world. Our purpose is to be whole and holy, living in communion with Him in paradise. If it wasn't for Jesus Christ dying for our sins, we'd be trapped in a sinful world without eternal life. Therefore, death is a grace.

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