Opening Prayer

+ Almighty God, through the death of your Son on the Cross you destroyed our death; through his rest in the tomb you hallowed the graves of all who believe in you; and through his rising again, you restored us to eternal life. God of the living and the dead, accept our prayers for those who have died in Christ and are buried with him in the hope of rising again. Since they were true to your name on earth, let them praise you for ever in the joy of heaven. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.