Bible-based prayers for “Grief and comfort”, to read or listen to.
For one who has passed away
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
God of all comfort, today I mourn the death of someone I love deeply. Their absence fills the house and my days. It hurts not to hear their voice and not to be able to give them one last hug. Thank you that your Word does not ask me to stop crying, but to grieve with hope. I believe that Jesus died and rose again, and I lean on that truth when everything else is shaking. Hold me in this sorrow. Help me remember with gratitude the love we shared. Surround me with people who will stay by my side, and give me patience with my own grief, which needs its time. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Father, this came without warning. Just a little while ago everything was normal, and now my world has suddenly fallen apart. I still can't believe it. I have questions I don't know how to put into words and a pain too big for words. Jesus wept at his friend's tomb, and I know you do not despise my tears. My heart is broken today. I don't ask you for immediate answers; I ask for your closeness. Hold me up in the hardest hours, in the nights and in all the arrangements I have ahead of me. Give me strength for each small task and put people beside me who can help. Have mercy on me. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
God of love, my heart is broken over the child I lost. Whether I got to hold this child in my arms or only carried them inside for a while, they were my child and I love them. Thank you that your eyes saw them from the beginning, and nothing of their life, short or long, was hidden from you. You knew them even before I did. Guard my soul when guilt or unanswerable questions assail me. Comfort me and my family, and help us hold one another up. Teach me to grieve without shame, and give me courage to ask for help when I need it. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Lord Jesus, I am accompanying someone I love in her last days. Watching her fade breaks my heart, and at the same time I want to be at her side until the end. You tell us not to let our hearts be troubled, because you go to prepare a place for your own; may that promise give us courage. Ease her pain and her fear. Give her peace, and let her feel that she is not alone. Give me strength to care for her, simple words to say goodbye and moments of rest when I need them. Bless the doctors and nurses who care for her so kindly. And when the hour comes, may she find rest in your mercy. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Lord, my comfort, today marks another year since I lost someone very dear to me. I thought it would hurt less with time, and in part it does, but this date stirs up the memories and the longing all over again. Thank you that I can bring you this returning pain as well. Thank you for the time we lived together and for all the good this person left in me. I hold on to your promise: one day you will wipe away every tear and there will be no more death. Until then, be with me on this day. Help me remember with love and not only with sadness. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
God of hope, today I grieve a loss that others may not fully understand. I lost something that was part of my life: a job, an ability, a dream I hoped to fulfill. I feel sadness, confusion and sometimes anger. You do not despise this pain. In the midst of my laments, I want to remember what I have not lost: though my heart may fail, you are still my rock and my portion forever. Help me say goodbye to what will no longer be and open myself to what you may bring. Give me strength to take one step each day. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
