De Profundis (Psalm 130) for the Dead
This psalm has been prayed for the dead since the early Church and is woven into the Office of the Dead and funeral liturgies. Its opening cry, "out of the depths I cry to you," gives voice to grief while placing hope firmly in God's mercy.
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered. I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in his word. My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn. Let Israel hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is mercy, with him is plenteous redemption. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.
