4.6.3.1 Divine service for the departed with prayer of intercession

The sequence of a divine service for the departed corresponds to that of a divine service with dispensation of the sacraments (regular divine service).^[38] When a divine service for the departed takes place that only incorporates a prayer of intercession, the congregation is prepared for this prayer of intercession by way of a brief address following the celebration of Holy Communion.

This prayer of intercession can have the following content:

gratitude that

• through Jesus’ sacrifice, even unredeemed souls in the beyond can receive salvation
• access to the kingdom of God and eternal life is also open to them when they receive the sacraments,
• the souls have fellowship with Jesus Christ, their Lord and Saviour.

intercession for unredeemed souls

• that they may believe in Jesus Christ and accept the gospel, and that they may recognise the significance of the Apostle ministry
• that they may receive the strength to approach Jesus Christ with trust and humbleness,
• that they may have a longing for God’s mercy and the sacraments,
• that God may grant them His love and care, and that they may receive salvation from Jesus Christ.

The intercessory prayer is introduced and concluded with a musical contribution.

Sequence in the divine service for the departed with prayer of intercession:

• If there is only a prayer of intercession in the divine service for the departed, the congregation remains seated during the introductory address and the introductory musical contribution. The congregation rises for the prayer of intercession and also remains standing for the concluding musical contribution.
• The musical contributions have a comprehensible spiritual relationship to the events.

After the prayer of intercession, other acts may be performed or – as a rule – this is followed directly by the closing prayer and final benediction.

4.6.3.2 Divine service for the departed with dispensation of the sacraments

The proper administration of the sacraments is incumbent on the apostolate. The sacraments are dispensed to both the living and the dead. As a rule, the Chief Apostle and the District Apostles perform these acts.

Sequence in the divine service for the departed with dispensation of the sacraments:

• The sacraments are dispensed to the departed following the celebration of Holy Communion with the congregation. The communion chalices on the altar remain uncovered until this dispensation of sacraments to the departed is complete.
• The dispensation of the sacraments is introduced and concluded with musical contributions. The two ministers who receive the sacraments as proxies for the departed souls come to the altar before the introductory musical contribution and remain standing with the officiant until the end of the concluding musical contribution
• Following the musical contribution and the introductory words of the officiant, the congregation is asked to rise for the subsequent dispensation of the sacraments of Holy Baptism, Holy Sealing, and Holy Communion. The officiant performs the respective sacramental acts one after the other.
• The congregation rises immediately before the sacramental acts for the departed are performed and remains standing during the concluding musical contribution.
• Both the introductory and closing musical contributions have a comprehensible spiritual relationship to the events.

After the dispensation of the sacraments for the departed, additional acts may follow, or—as a rule—the officiant proceeds directly to the closing prayer and benediction.