What is "commendatory prayer"

Commendatory \Com*mend"a*to*ry\, a. [L. commendatorius.]

1. Serving to commend; containing praise or commendation; commending; praising. ``Commendatory verses.''
   --Pope.

2. Holding a benefice in commendam; as, a commendatory bishop.
   --Burke.

   Commendatory prayer (Book of Common Prayer), a prayer read over the dying. ``The commendatory prayer was said for him, and, as it ended, he [William III.] died.''
   --Bp. Burnet.