In my last blog I wrote about the importance of saying prayers and meditations for those who have passed away. It is particularly important to perform this service when large numbers of people pass away in disasters, whether natural or man made. These prayers can also be used for soldiers and other casualties of war, particularly during Memorial Day observations.

We are all affected by suffering. When we become sensitive to the sufferings of souls caught in the lower levels of the subtle worlds, it is part of our spiritual duty and obligation to relieve the suffering as much as we can. These acts of service link us to expanded levels of the existence, both physical and extra physical, and help us see the larger aspects of life: the suffering, the loss, the healing, the continuity of life, the power of prayer and of Great Ones, as well as the resilience and power of human beings.

We can also say prayers and group meditations for those living who have suffered loss of loved ones and property. Their suffering is complex and their survival and continuity of life depends on their inner strength and healing. We can help them by blessing them and encouraging them.

Here are some excerpts of prayers and readings that may be used for any person or persons who have passed away. You can adapt these to fit the needs of the departed or to fit the particulars of your spiritual tradition.

“Be fearless in all conditions because your Guide is with you…the presence of the Almighty One is within you. You have no reason to fear because God is Love and His angels seek to help everyone who departs.

“Karma is very powerful, but above karmic law stands compassion. Nothing can overcome compassion. Do not give up when apparent obstacles and phenomena confront you. You have the power to strike even the servants of darkness….

“The divine power within you can be put into operation the moment you leave the body. Be fearless; be courageous; be daring; be striving, and the eye of God will watch over you.

“O Self-Revealing One, reveal Thyself in all of us.

“Lead us O Lord, from darkness to Light, from the unreal to the Real, from death to Immortality, from Chaos to Beauty.

“Dear brothers and sisters, [or name of the departed] we are gathered here in your memory. May the beam of Divine Light illuminate your path. May your Guardian Angel protect you from any attack. May the blessings of the Christ [or Great Ones] shine in your heart throughout your journey.

“We send you our love, blessings, and courage. Try always to strive toward the Fiery World. Do not be englamored by the objects of the level where you are. Remember that the three worlds are illusions. Strive toward the highest; search for the Teacher; aspire toward Christ [or Great Ones].

“May the light of Christ [or Great Ones] shield you and inspire you to strive toward higher achievement. When your time of incarnation arrives, please obey the call to come again and meet your obligations and responsibilities on earth.

“May the love of Christ [or Great Ones] surround you.”

[Amen (say or chant seven times). Or sound OM seven times]

(Above quoted prayers are excerpted from Other Worlds by Torkom Saraydarian. pp. 482-483, 488.)

How to say these prayers?

Sit quietly in a peaceful place. Focus yourself and visualize that you are speaking to departed souls. Visualize that you are lifting clouds as you speak and the souls are rising and departing to higher worlds. Speak directly to the departed.

When you complete the prayers, close your eyes once again and say any prayer that you wish to say, visualizing any Great One, Saint, or Master and asking Him or Her to help the departed souls and also ask for blessings and healing for those who have lost loved ones