Ashes To Ashes Dust To Dust Funeral Prayer. Analyzing its evolution reveals shifts in theological and cultu
Analyzing its evolution reveals shifts in theological and cultural perceptions of mortality. So also, in the last days, Jan 3, 2025 · Understanding the phrase, “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. It's meaning, however, is derived from Feb 19, 2018 · Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. In Jesus’ name we pray. Prayer Reading of Personal History [Transition] It is with a strange mix of sadness and fond memory that we gather here today to remember his life and say goodbye. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines what a Nov 13, 2025 · Key Takeaways The phrase “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” is commonly associated with funeral rites and highlights human mortality. ” We commit our loved ones to the ground in a committal service. The traditional funeral sermon from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer includes the memorable line, "Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Three forms of the rite of committal are provided for the funeral of a child: “Rite of Committal,” “Rite of Committal with Final Commendation,” and “Rite of Final Commendation for an Infant. O God, in the beginning you formed us from the dust of the earth and breathed into us the breath of life. Dec 7, 2017 · NOTE: This is a short graveside committal due to the time restraints given by those who organized the funeral. For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return. They rest from their labors, and their works follow them. Then the coffin is lowered into the ground while the priest recites the following words: ashes to The most famous prayers that Christians can say when scattering the ashes of a loved one include the Irish Funeral Prayer, the Christian Prayer for the Dead, and reciting of Psalms 23. It comes from the Book of Common Prayer, which states that at funerals, we commit “the body to the ground; earth to earth; ashes to ashes; dust to dust. Dec 6, 2024 · In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother N. Apr 1, 2019 · We now commit the body of our brother/sister to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subdue all things to Himself. Cremated remains should be treated with the same respect and dignity as a body, and nothing should be done with ashes that wouldn’t be done to an intact body. The poem relates to scattering ashes poems through the imagery of "ashes dance" and "scattered laughter," symbolizing the dispersal of ashes as a memorial and an enduring connection to the loved one through the memories of their laughter and joy. , and we commit his body to the ground; [2] earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Or God our Father, we thank you that you have made each of us in your own image, and given us gifts and talents with which to serve you. However, this exact wording does not appear verbatim in the Bible. (TRADITIONAL) Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, says the Spirit. Jul 21, 2024 · In the book, the section devoted to the Burial of the Dead reads, “We therefore commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life. The text of that service is adapted from the Biblical text, Genesis 3:19 (King James Version): Oct 16, 2022 · The Lord bless you! Catholic prayers for burial of ashes For those who are Catholic, a specific set of prayers are typically recited during the interment or burial of a loved one, known as The Rite of Committal. to the ground (or to be cremated): earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who died, and was buried, and rose again for us, and who shall change our mortal body that it may be like his glorious body, according to the mighty working by which he is able Dec 7, 2017 · We therefore commit her body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. In the Church, at this point of the service 2. "We, therefore, commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ. In sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. I stepped forward, clutching a single white rose. Jul 11, 2004 · For as much as it has pleased Almighty God to remove from the world the soul of our brother, we lay his body here to rest awhile, then to be buried n the ground, then shall the dust return to dust as it was, but the spirit returns to God who gave it. Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take unto himself the soul of our dear brother here departed, we therefore commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of… Apr 12, 2024 · In the book, the section devoted to the Burial of the Dead reads, “We therefore commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life. " I tossed the flower. The minister says the words of committal: Mar 1, 2022 · Although it sounds like a Bible verse (and is often assumed to be one), the exact phrase, “Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust” is found nowhere in the Bible. It serves as a reminder that every human body, regardless of status or achievements, ultimately returns to the earth. Sophie stepped up When God informs Adam that he would die because of sin, He says, "For dust you are, and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19). " B In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother/sister N. What words are said during the committal prayer? Prayer of Commendation and the Committal and we commit her/his body to the ground: earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Apr 8, 2020 · and we commit his/her body to be cremated, [or the deep or the elements or its resting place], earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. , and we commit his/her body to be returned to its elements, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. , and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Ashes can symbolize dust-to-dustness and remind worshipers of the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. " Jun 11, 2020 · Most funeral professionals do not consider “ashes” to be the best term when speaking about a loved one’s remains. "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," the priest intoned. We here commit the body of our brother/sister . 12 Rite foR the BuRial of ashes 324 this rite may be used when the family and friends of the deceased ask for the ashes to be buried shortly after the funeral. Jean McCurdy Meade is a retired priest in the Diocese of Louisiana. However, the general public is much more apt to use and understand what is meant by the word “ashes. Before the service at the graveside or Dec 7, 2023 · The phrase “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” is commonly associated with Christian funeral services and burials. Silence is kept, concluded by one of the following For her/his life and our memories we give thanks. In the Burial section of the first English Book of Common Prayer completed in 1548 is this line: “Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Feb 21, 2023 · The origin of the phrase “committal” in this context is thought to have been derived from a burial sermon in the Book of Common Prayer that states, “We therefore commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life. "Goodbye, Mamma," I whispered. "Riposa in pace. At the Burial of a Child O God, whose beloved Son Mar 28, 2024 · What does “ashes to ashes” mean? Learn what the phrase "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" means, where it originated and why it holds a message of eternal hope. We thank you for N Mar 26, 2021 · This is a brief memorial service at the time you commit the body to the ground. The Lord bless him/her and keep him/her, the Lord make his face to shine upon him/her and be gracious to him/her, the Lord lift up his countenance upon him/her and give him/her peace. Understanding the origins of “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” enriches our spiritual and cultural appreciation of the phrase. ) One or more of the following or other prayers is offered: Gracious God, we thank you for those we love but see no more. ” Jun 23, 2009 · Rite of Committal: prayers are said by the final resting place (at the graveside for burial and before the curtains close for cremation). ” The phrase “ash to ash, dust to dust” is a reminder of our mortality and the inevitability of death. It is most often spoken after the casket is lowered into the grave at the same time that dirt is symbolically thrown on top of the casket. It contains Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, the Litany, Holy Communion, and occasional services in full: the orders for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, "prayers to be said with the sick", and a funeral service. The Remembrance The minister continues In a time of silence, let us make our personal thanksgiving to God for all that N has meant to us. ” Feb 24, 2024 · The phrase “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” resonates deeply during funeral and burial services, encapsulating profound truths about human existence, mortality, and the cycle of life and death. One of the burial rites in the Book of Common Prayer reads as follows: “ In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother/sister ___________; and we commit his/her body to the ground; earth to earth; ashes to See also: How to separate ashes. ” So if you and the family are comfortable using it, then you are welcome to do so. when the body is buried in a cemetery or churchyard, when the interment of ashes follows on the same day or the day following cremation, and the second "preparation for burial" prayer is used at the crematorium, or at a crematorium when the interment of ashes is not to follow immediately. The Lord’s Prayer is said along with prayers for the deceased’s eternal happiness with God. In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through Our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God (Name), and we commit his/her body to the ground: earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. " Apr 14, 2018 · #WinnieMandelaFuneral: Reverend Vukile Mehana leading the prayer: "Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust" Courtesy DStv403 Feb 24, 2020 · The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. ”. The Lord bless him/her and keep him/her, the Lord make His Face to Feb 18, 2025 · The idea of returning to the dust and covering oneself with ashes both appear multiple times in the Bible. ” FORASMUCH as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to receive unto himself the soul of this dear child here departed: we therefore commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our mortal body We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Revelation 14:13, adapted PRAYER The minister continues: Let us pray. If they are applied during an act of kneeling, the very posture of defeat and submission expresses humility before God. Apr 7, 2020 · Alternative words of committal ‘for ashes’ and ‘for burial at sea’ are provided in Additional Texts: Rite of Committal (Pg 88-89). It was the moment of finality. Are you InTheKnow? Don’t miss out on our newsletter, featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Amen. You only are immortal, the creator and maker of all: and we are mortal, formed from the dust of the earth, and unto earth shall we return. Jul 23, 2020 · We commit his/her remains now to the earth you created: dust to dust, ashes to ashes. He will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by his mighty power that enables him to subject all things to himself. Nov 6, 2025 · At its core, “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” is a poetic way of acknowledging the inevitability of death and the impermanence of physical existence. Religious Option: Include a short prayer, such as, “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, we commit [Deceased’s Name] to the earth, in peace and love. At a cremation service In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to almighty God our brother/sister N. The Prayers The minister may add this or other prayers as time permits: Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with the saints: where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labors for their deeds follow them. ” All of us go down to the dust, yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. The moment where you’re supposed to throw a flower, say a prayer, and let go. ” 317 The rite of committal is used when the final commendation and farewell is celebrated within the funeral liturgy. Dec 24, 2025 · “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust” is most closely associated with the Christian funeral tradition that took shape in English-speaking worship through the Book of Common Prayer. THE COMMITTAL The committal is always part of the Christian funeral service and is said by the cleric leading the service, facing the coffin, with the congregation standing. 14:13 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, says the Spirit. The committal takes place either – 1. Jul 11, 2004 · For as much as it has pleased Almighty God to remove from the world the soul of our brother, we lay his body here to rest awhile, then to be buried n the ground, then shall the dust return to dust as it was, but the spirit returns to God who gave it. Rev. In this prayer, we acknowledge our shared humanity and find comfort in the hope of renewal beyond this life. We hold name in our memory with gratitude. The Rite of Committal symbolizes the final separation of the deceased from the living and is an expression of communion. Sep 11, 2025 · According to Crosswalk, “The phrase, “Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust,” comes from the “The Order for the Burial of the Dead”, an “order of service” for graveside funeral services. The prayer of farewell is said by the clergy. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. ” Non-Religious Option: Consider a reflective line, such as, “As we release [Deceased’s Name] to the earth, we celebrate the love and joy they shared with us. It's meaning, however, is derived from major biblical themes that can be found in several passages in Scripture. My hand shook. (REVELATION 14:13, ALT. When this Order is used at the burial of the body after cremation, in place of the words ‘commit his body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust’ shall be said the words ‘commit his ashes to the ground, earth to earth, dust to dust’, or ‘commit his ashes to their resting-place'. , and we commit their earthly remains to this resting place; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Mar 1, 2018 · Historically, the funeral rites have consisted of five liturgical movements: the procession of the body to the church, the Office of the Dead, the Requiem Mass, the Absolution (Commendation), and the Committal. ” This phrase does not come directly from the Bible, though it is derived from it. 1789 Book of Common Prayer: Burial Dust to Dust is best known from the phrase "Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust" from the funeral service in the Book of Common Prayer It may also refer to: We have entrusted our brother/sisterN to God's mercy, and we now commit his/her body to the ground: earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust: in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our frail bodies that they may be conformed to his glorious body, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we praise you for the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life for all who die trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ. Mar 1, 2022 · Although it sounds like a Bible verse (and is often assumed to be one), the exact phrase, “Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust” is found nowhere in the Bible. Listen to our podcast episode, “ Animals and the Gospel. , and we commit his/her body to [the ground/its resting place]: earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. It landed softly on the wood. Dec 13, 2024 · The phrase ‘ ashes to ashes, dust to dust’ has been integral to funeral liturgies, tracing its origins to the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. The origin of the phrase is from the burial liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer, which has the famous lines, “We therefore commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life. Jul 11, 2004 · Committals for Believers Number 1 For as much as it has pleased Almighty God to take out of this world the soul of ___________________, we therefore commit his/her body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, looking for that blessed hope when the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of Burial I 469 At the Burial of an Adult O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of thy servant N. Death brings loss, sorrow, and grief to all. W E commend unto thy hands of mercy, most merciful Father, the soul of this our brother departed, and we commit his body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust ; and we beseech thine infinite goodness to give us grace to live in thy fear and love and to die in thy favour, that when the judgement shall come which thou hast Mar 29, 2024 · Committal: "We now commit the body of our dear [Name] to its final resting place — earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust — in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life. We find solace and connection in prayer, acknowledging both the fragility of life and the hope of renewal. We now commit the ashes of N to the ground: earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; rejoicing that on the last day Christ will transform the bodies of all who trust in him into the likeness of his own glorious resurrection Dec 24, 2025 · Learn the origin and meaning of ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust,’ its Christian roots, and today’s guidance on cremation urns, keepsakes, jewelry, and ashes. It serves as a solemn reminder of our mortal nature and the return to the earth. Joseph, Minnesota 320-363-4232 Earth to Earth, Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust The resurrection is a central doctrine of the Christian faith and shapes Christians’ attitudes and responses to the event of death. Funeral Handbook Resurrection Lutheran Church St. The Rev Dr. Dec 5, 2019 · Discover the meaning behind "ashes to ashes, dust to dust," with examples and alternatives, reflecting on life, death, and cultural significance. Sep 6, 2022 · The committal service meaning is rooted in the Book of Common Prayer, which includes the phrase, "We therefore commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust," symbolizing hope for eternal life. Created Date 9/13/2009 9:46:07 AM The 1549 work was the first prayer book to include the complete forms of service for daily and Sunday worship in English. “ Returning to dust” is a metaphor for death. The ashes and fragments, often called cremains, are then gathered into an urn that can be placed in an ossuary for the funeral or in the ground for burial. ashes to ashes, dust to dust. What's the origin of the phrase 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust'? ‘Ashes to ashes’ derives from the English Burial Service. May 8, 2014 · Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust The phrase “ashes to ashes and dust to dust” is frequently used during funerals. Jan 5, 2022 · we now commit the body of ______ to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, while we look in sure and certain hope for the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, We have entrusted our brother/sister N to God’s mercy, and we now commit his/her body to be cremated: earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust: in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our frail bodies that they may be conformed to his glorious body, who died, was earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Give rest, O Christ, to your servant (s) with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting. Jan 4, 2022 · The officiant of a funeral service saying, “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust” is a common practice in many branches of Christianity. The “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” prayer reflects the cycle of life and the inevitability of death. While it is short, it could easily be expanded to suit a longer funeral. In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our sibling N.