40+ Thoughtful Ways to Say Rest in Peace | Cake Blog (2024)

The phrase “rest in peace” dates back centuries. Saying “rest in peace” expresses a wish or hope that the departed will experience a state of peacefulness for eternity in Heaven. The phrase is used to give peace and comfort to the family or friends of the deceased. Someone who has experienced loss may be comforted thinking of their loved ones at rest – especially if they had many struggles in life.

You may have used this phrase without considering its exact meaning or message. But words are more than idle phrases. This is especially true in times of crisis, like after a loss. Seeking meaningful, heartfelt ways to wish someone well after losing a loved one shows you’re there for them. If you want a different way to communicate the sentiments behind "rest in peace," keep reading to learn about the best alternatives you can use.

Jump ahead to these sections:

• Why Do We Say Rest in Peace?
• Religious Use of Rest in Peace
• Short Rest in Peace Alternatives
• Unique Rest in Peace Quotes
• Rest in Peace Messages for Social Media
• Rest in Peace Messages for a Sympathy Card
• Rest in Peace Messages for a Grave
• Rest in Peace Messages for a Parent
• Rest in Peace Messages for a Grandparent
• Rest in Peace Messages for a Spouse or Partner
• Rest in Peace Messages for a Child
• Rest in Peace Messages for a Friend

Why Do We Say Rest in Peace?

Many faiths, including Christianity, teach that the soul is eternal. It doesn’t cease to exist just because the body has died. Instead, the soul travels to an afterlife, where it may undergo judgment and eventually reach Heaven. So, people say “rest in peace” or "rest in eternal peace" because they wish the deceased eternal rest in Heaven. It’s also said to help the bereaved family member imagine their loved one in a better, restful place.

Meaning

The phrase “rest in peace” may refer to the soul reaching Heaven, often depicted as a state of perfect rest.

History

From 700 A.D., humans have said some variation of "rest in peace" for over 1,300 years. The phrase “rest in peace” seems to come from a Latin blessing or prayer with Roman Catholic origins: “requiescat in pace.”

For example,

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.”

Today, this phrase is used along with synonomous phrases including "rest in eternal peace," "rest in paradise," "rest in Heaven," and "rest in power."

Religious Use of Rest in Peace

The Latin phrase “requiescat in pace” first appeared on tombstones around the eighth century. By the eighteenth century, “rest in peace” or “R.I.P.” was commonly featured on Christian headstones and tombs.

Besides Roman Catholics – Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans, and other Christian denominations have used the phrase as a prayer that the deceased would find peace in the afterlife.

Irish Protestantism

Regardless of the phrase’s popularity throughout the centuries, the leader of the Evangelical Protestant Society encouraged Protestants to refrain from using the term. One congregational leader said that “rest in peace” is a prayer for the dead, which he believed contradicted Biblical doctrine.

Judaism

“Rest in peace” is not commonly used in Jewish contexts. However, the Hebrew phrase, “May peace be upon him,” is sometimes changed to “rest in peace.”

Short Rest in Peace Alternatives

Now that you have considered the meaning of “rest in peace,” you might want to look for an alternative if the phrase doesn’t articulate your desired intention. Here are some short and straightforward expressions that are packed with meaning.

• I’m so sorry for your loss.
• I’m here to support you.
• I’m thankful they are at peace.
• My deepest condolences to you.
• He/she will be missed.

Unique Rest in Peace Quotes

Are you trying to find a quote about death and grief to share in a sympathy card or social media? Here are some quotes about death and the afterlife by authors, poets, and from the Bible.

• “Death is simply a shedding of the physical body, like the butterfly coming out of a cocoon . . . It’s like putting away your winter coat when spring comes.” – Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
• “When one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language.” – John Donne
• “We’ll meet again. Don’t know where, don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again, some sunny day.” – Vera Lynn
• “Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” — Isaiah 57:2
• You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” — Daniel 12:13
• “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” – Psalms 30:5

Rest in Peace Messages for Social Media

Sharing sentiments on social media is becoming more common after a loss. Some people share “rest in peace” messages on the deceased’s wall or profile, while others may send a message to the family in response to announcing the death. We’ve included samples that would be appropriate for both.

• You’re forever in our hearts.
• Your mom was the strongest person I’ve known, and now she gets the rest she deserves.
• With our greatest condolences, we send Sam off to his everlasting peace.
• Rest easy, friend.
• Gone, but never forgotten.

Rest in Peace Messages for a Sympathy Card

You aren’t the only one who struggles knowing what to write in a sympathy card. While you can always simply sign your name, you might feel obligated to write a few words of your own. Here are some very brief messages to write in closing when signing a condolence card.

• Love to you all.
• Sally will be missed!
• Please know that I am praying for you and your family.
• How wonderful that Peter is now with his heavenly father!
• I’m happy that your mom and dad are together again.

Rest in Peace Messages for a Grave

It’s common to spot “Rest in Peace” on graves. Along with R.I.P. quotes, this can be truly meaningful when honoring someone who passed. However, here are some alternatives with similar meanings.

• A beloved friend to all.
• Resting in Heaven with the angels.
• Their love lasts an eternity.
• He/she put family first.
• Testament to a beautiful life.

Rest in Peace Messages for a Parent

Losing a parent is like losing a part of yourself. Though this is a difficult loss to overcome, there is peace in knowing they’ll always be with you. Here are some messages to share with someone who lost a parent, whether you knew the deceased or not.

• May they rest in eternal light.
• My tender memories of them soften my grief.
• They’re forever in my heart.
• Always remembered and always missed.

Rest in Peace Messages for a Grandparent

Grandparents are some of our first teachers; their wise words guide us through daily challenges. If your grandparents are no longer here, make sure they’re remembered and at peace with these “rest in peace” messages for grandparents.

• I’ll never forget your Grandpa Al. He was a special guy!
• It’s not easy to let someone so special go.
• There are no forever goodbyes.
• May your grandparents find eternal peace.
• He/she was an inspiration to all.

Rest in Peace Messages for a Spouse or Partner

A spouse or partner is your other half. Without them, the world feels like a darker place. While brighter days are possible, don’t shy away from the grief of this profound loss.

• There are no words to capture my grief.
• We’re always with you.
• They left the world, but they’ll never leave your heart.
• The world lost a beautiful soul.
• Your wife/husband/partner was an incredible person.

Rest in Peace Messages for a Child

Few things in this world are more tragic than losing a child. While it’s impossible to understand the devastation this causes if you haven’t experienced it for yourself, you can make sure the parents feel supported and heard with these “rest in peace” messages.

• As brief as your child’s life was, it was full of joy.
• Heaven is a beautiful place because they are there.
• Though only with us briefly, we hold him/her in our hearts.
• He/she meant the world to us.
• Your child is with you always.

Rest in Peace Messages for a Friend

Friends are a chosen part of our families. Losing a friend is like losing part of your memories, and it’s not always easy to find joy after this type of grief. Sharing a “rest in peace” message for a friend reminds us that those we love always stay close in spirit.

• I miss you to the moon and stars.
• Missing you feels like a cold winter with no summer in sight.
• They left behind so much love.
• I can’t believe my friend is gone.
• Thank you, friend, you’ve given me so much.

Adding Meaning to Rest in Peace

We know how difficult it is to find the right words to say to someone going through the most heart-wrenching time in their lives. That’s one reason we provide articles like this – to help you develop the perfect phrase to support someone hurting. Once you've found the right thing to say, don't forget to follow it up with the healing power of a hug.