Prayer for Rest and Resurrection

Gracious and merciful God! I am prepared to live or die according to Thy holy will. I am not afraid of death, because I know death will bring me rest after all my troubles and sufferings. For when I depart from this world, I shall take leave of all pain, sorrow, crosses, and turmoil. I shall enter upon rest and joy; I shall be delighted, refreshed, and gladdened, after all the weary days and sorrowful nights which I have spent on earth. I do not fear the grave; for it is my chamber of rest. My distresses, my sickness, my sufferings shall not enter the grave with me. They shall remain behind. O quiet retreat, O pleasant resting place! When shall my weary limbs and frail body be laid within thee?

Jesus Himself has hallowed the grave, and made it a resting-place. When He was laid in the grave after His crucifixion, all His pain and sorrow ceased. In like manner the Lord has prepared a resting-place in the earth for my body, and a haven of rest in heaven for my soul.

Though men seek for beautiful houses, and soft beds to rest upon, these are not to be compared with my grave. From a beautiful house one may be driven out by fire, or foes, or other calamities. But in my grave no one shall disturb me. Jesus will guard my bones, that none of them be lost; yea, He will bring them together again after they are decayed. In the softest bed many a one is full of pain and discomfort; but in my grave no misfortune shall come near me, no pain shall touch me. For the grave is a bed that is free from all suffering and pain.

Why then should I fear the grave? I shall not remain in it always. I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He will call me forth from the tomb. Jesus says, “He that believeth in me hath everlasting life; and I will raise him ujj at the last day.” Consequently my stay in the grave shall be short. My body shall sleep only till Jesus comes and says, “Arise, ye dead, and appear at the judgment.” The hour is coming in which all that are in their graves shall hear His voice and shall come forth. When I hear that voice, I also shall rise from my grave. My body, made immortal and glorified, shall be reunited with my soul; and I shall shine like the sun, having all my imperfections taken away.

As the grain of wheat shoots forth from the earth a green blade, after it appears to have died, so shall my bones be gathered together, and be covered with sinews and flesh. My body is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body, endowed with celestial attributes. Here it has been a sick and afflicted earthly body; but there it shall be a strong and glorious heavenly body. Amen.