Praying Over Loss and Grief

The reality in which we live is one of constant hope because of our faith in Jesus, yet it is one that is also delicately intertwined with the tender layers of sorrow, hardship, and grief we experience as a result of living in a sin-broken world.

Walking the road of loss with our friends is one of the greatest blessings God allows us when we link arms with other believers in our community. As our friends experience loss or grief, we can love them well by praying that God would be their closest companion and greatest comfort.

We can speak truth on their behalf when our friends don’t have it in them to speak it for themselves. We can declare that God is with them and caring for them in the dark valley. We honor our friends and their circumstances, feelings, and experiences when we don’t try to rescue them from the valley of sorrows, but rather sit with them, inviting God to make His presence and faithfulness known in the valleys as He ministers to our friends in ways beyond our ability.

TRY THIS PRAYER:

God, You are the shepherd who comforts and protects. As _______________ (insert friend’s name) is once more acquainted with grief, I ask You to guard their heart, as it is the wellspring of life. Swoop in as comforter, and make Your presence tangible in the midst of their heartache. God, You know every layer of emotion, every delicate thought, and every desperate longing. We ask that on behalf of our friend, you work everything out on their behalf. Because of Jesus, we’re grateful that we do not grieve as those without hope, but even still we do grieve.

So while we sit in the tension of the now and not yet, the sadness of what is and the trust in what will be, we ask that you minister to ______________ (insert friend’s name) in ways that reveal your great love for them. Help us know how to love and serve them well as we walk the road of mourning together. Thank You for the privilege to bear one another’s burdens and the honor to be physical representatives of Your good will for their lives as we speak your truth in, and over, their lives. Thank You for the joy of knowing that while weeping may last for the night, joy comes in the morning. Quicken the morning, the relief, and the joy for our friends. We trust You.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP:

Encourage a friend (or several!) by saving the graphic with the verse below and sending it as a text to whomever God brings to mind, letting them know you’re praying for them today,