What Are the Words to the Last Rites Prayer?
The words to the prayer for Last Rites or, as it’s now known, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, are: “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”
The prayer for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is just one part of the sacrament’s ritual. The priest or eucharistic minister lays hands on the sick individual, anoints the patient with blessed olive or other oil, and then recites the prayer.
Before the prayer recitation and anointing, the individual is offered the opportunity to confess. If able, the individual recites the Apostle’s Creed following the confession or, in some cases, act of contrition. The priest or eucharistic minister then recites the Lord’s Prayer.
Following the Lord’s Prayer recitation, the individual receives communion. The priest or eucharistic minister recites the following: “This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.” If able, the individual responds, “Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.” The priest or eucharistic minister then offers the Body of Christ and asks the Lord’s protection for the individual.
The sacrament concludes with the prayer and blessing.
