Poems, Songs, and Prayers for Scattering Ashes at Sea
Published August 20th, 2019
There are various ways to scatter your loved one’s ashes at sea. You can pour it into the water or put it in an urn and let it float into the vast ocean. There could be balloons, flowers, or anything that you think will be suitable for the occasion.
But one thing is for certain: a scattering ceremony should be a fitting farewell to your loved one. It’s your chance to celebrate the life they lived and relive the memories you had with them.
And what better way to do that than offering them poems for scattering ashes, songs or prayers. It’s also a great way to express what you’ve never told them when they were still alive. You can make your own or choose one below that reflects what you feel and what you want to say.
Here are some of the best prayers, songs, and poems for scattering ashes at sea ceremonies.
Poems for Scattering Ashes
Burial at Sea
by: John Companiotte, Poetry Magazine
Published in 1993, this poem is a great fit for memorial services at sea. Its comforting words will give solace to those who have lost a loved one. The poem reminds us to accept death as part of life. And that our dearly departed is now peacefully one with the earth once again. (See the full text of the poem here.)
Letting Go
by: Judith Bullock Morse
This poem talks about the painful struggle of watching our loved ones die. The poet perfectly captures the poignancy of having to let go when all you ever want to do is hold on. (Read the full text here.)
She is Gone
by: David Harkins
This popular verse is based on the poem “Remember Me” by David Harkins. It was personally chosen by Queen Elizabeth II as part of the funeral ceremony for her mother in April 2002.
The words are a fitting tribute to the women who have made indelible marks to our hearts and our lives. (See the full text of the poem here.)
Songs for Scattering Ashes
Tears in Heaven
by: Eric Clapton
Written shortly after the death of his son, Tears in Heaven is undoubtedly one of Eric Clapton’s most timeless songs. It speaks of longing and mourning which resonates with everyone who has lost a dear friend or family member.
I Grieve
by: Peter Gabriel
If you’ve seen Nicolas Cage’s City of Angels, then this song will be familiar to you. It was part of Peter Gabriel’s 2002 Album “Up”. The lyrics mirror the emotional turmoil someone has to go through when dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Godspeed (Sweetdreams)
by: Dixie Chicks
The most painful thing that could happen to a parent is losing a child. To never again hear their laughter or tuck them to sleep at night. This song perfectly captures that. It was originally written by a father who longs for his son and all the pent-up emotions he has made this song the gem that it is.
Prayers for Scattering Ashes
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
For you are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Christian Prayer for the Dead
God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.
Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for my family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone.
In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.
Amen.
Irish Funeral Prayer
Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, That, we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes, we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before only better,
infinitely happier and forever we will all be one together with Christ.
Interested In Our Services?
Here at Big Blue Sea Services we take memorial services seriously. Book a time with us to scatter ashes at sea off the coast of Florida with your friends and family present. Our charters are sure to make the moment a memorable experience.
About The Author
Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of a sense of spirituality and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about art, design, and more.
July 29, 2021 @ 7:30 pm
It’s helpful to know that the book of Psalms is a good source of prayers that can be used for a burial at sea. My father recently passed away and he used to tell my mother that he would like to be buried at sea. As such, we are currently looking for funeral services that will help us with that soon.