What Are Some Examples of Graveside Committal Prayers?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 05, 2020

“The Common Book of Prayers” “Committal Prayer Two” and “Commendation From Burial I” are frequently used committal prayers. The Bible’s Psalm 23 is a prayer also commonly used in graveside committal services.

“The Common Book of Prayer” offers two graveside committal poems that deal with the theme of returning the body to the soil. “Commendation from Burial I” features the lines “Formed of the earth, and unto earth shall we return.” “Committal Prayer Two” is recognized for its lines “Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, and dust to dust.” Both of these prayers are commonly used in committal services.

Psalm 23 from the Bible is often recited during graveside committals. This prayer opens with, “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.”