People search for a crossing over prayer for two reasons: to pray for someone who is dying, or to pray about a major transition in their own life. This page has prayers for both.
Historical Context
In Joshua 3, the priests carrying the Ark stepped into the flooded river first, and the water stopped so the people could cross on dry ground. Christians read it as a picture of Christ going ahead of us through death and holding the way open.
A Crossing Over Prayer for the Dying
Lord Jesus, (name) is coming to the river.
You have gone through it ahead of them.
Hold back the waters and take their hand.
Take away their fear and their pain.
Forgive what needs forgiving, and welcome them home.
Go forth, Christian soul, in peace.
Amen.
“Go forth, Christian soul” are the first words of the Church’s ancient prayer of commendation for the dying. If the person is Catholic, call a priest for the Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum while there is still time.
For Someone Who Has Just Crossed Over
Lord, they have crossed over.
Receive them with mercy.
Let them see your face, and the faces of those who went before.
Comfort us who stand on this side of the river.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
Amen.
For Crossing Into a New Season
Lord, I’m standing at the edge of something new
and I can’t see the other side.
Go ahead of me, as you did for Israel at the Jordan.
Hold the waters back long enough for me to step in,
and bring me safely across.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- At the bedside of someone dying.
- In the hours after a death.
- At a funeral or graveside.
- Before a move, a retirement, a new job or any big transition.
Scripture Connection
“And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground.” — Joshua 3:17
The priests stood in the middle of the river until everyone had crossed. It is the picture behind every crossing over prayer: someone holding the way open until we are safely through.
Related prayers
For the end of life, see the Prayer for a Happy Death. After a loss, the Prayer for Dad in Heaven, and for the patron of a good death, the Saint Joseph Prayer.