The prayer's imagery is derived from 2 Esdras (4 Esdras in the Vulgate), which speaks of a "shepherd" giving everlasting rest and "perpetual light" shining forever.
"Eternal rest grant unto him/her/them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him/her/them. May he/she/they rest in eternal peace. Amen." Spiritual Meaning and Origins wieczny_odpoczynek
(Eternal Rest) refers to a foundational Christian prayer for the deceased, widely used in Poland during funerals, at grave sites, and on remembrance days like All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day . It is the Polish equivalent of the Latin Requiem aeternam . The Prayer Text The prayer's imagery is derived from 2 Esdras
The standard form of the prayer used in liturgical and private devotions is: widely used in Poland during funerals
In Polish tradition, "Wieczny odpoczynek" is more than just a prayer; it is a central element of funeral rites .