A Prayer for the Anniversary of a Loved One's Death - Your Daily Prayer - November 5
A Prayer for the Anniversary of a Loved One's Death
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading
“He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken” (Isaiah 25:8).
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My mom passed away from congestive heart failure (CHF) ten years ago this year. Sometimes, the years feel like an eternity, and other times, it feels like no time has elapsed at all. Grief is a tricky thing – there are times when you feel you are getting better, and then there are times when you break down in tears when you simply think of your loved one who has passed away.
After talking to therapists, my sisters and I realized we struggle with complex grief. Most people can move on after a loved one passes away; however, for my sisters and me, we could not move forward. This is known as complex grief. The grief has never lifted – I still think about my mom all the time, I mourn for her, and I feel like a piece of me died with her. Life is completely different now; it could never be the same without her.
My mom was instrumental to my life. She believed in me when I gave up on myself; she pushed me to be the best version of myself possible, and she was a hard critic, yet it helped me develop a tough skin for life.
Losing my mom to CHF was not on the game plan for my life. I wanted my mom to walk through college with me, see me land my first job, and get my own place. Our moms are often the proudest of us when we accomplish something that seemed impossible. Although we did not think we could accomplish a certain goal, they never doubted us for one second. It is painful to watch our loved ones leave our lives, especially when they are gone far too soon.
My life was just starting when my mom passed away. Everyone at college was flourishing, while I was decaying. For ten days straight, my family and I went to visit my mom in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before she passed away. Although there were times when the cardiologists thought she was doing better, her heart would return to arrhythmias. Despite their best attempts and medicines, nothing helped my mom.
My mom was such a strong woman throughout my life; it was paralyzing to see her lying in a hospital bed attached to various devices. The strong woman I loved was still there, but her time on this earth was ending. As I have been approaching the anniversary of her death, I am reminded of the pain and agony, but I am also reminded of the love, strength, and happiness of my mother. In this way, I am to celebrate her life – a life that truly impacted everyone she came in contact with.
If you are also facing the anniversary of the death of a loved one, find solace in these words: “He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken” (Isaiah 25:8). Death has already been defeated, and it will be completely eradicated one day – no longer will anyone have to die. We will be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven and spend all eternity in the New Heaven and New Earth.
In the New Heaven and New Earth, there will be no more crying, pain, mourning, or death (Revelation 21:4). The Lord Himself will welcome us and surround us with His love. We will see our loved ones again – and because of this, we can rejoice. Whether your loved one has been gone for a year or decades, take heart. You will see them again. Praise be to the Lord forever!
Let's pray,
“Dear Jesus, I am approaching the 10th anniversary of the death of my loved one. The pain is overwhelming at times. Even after all this time, I still miss them. Their smile, voice, and laughter fill my heart to the point that tears rise in my eyes. How I long to see them again, Lord!
Please bring my soul peace as I'm navigating this difficult season of life. I will reflect on our wonderful memories and cherish the time we shared. Encourage my heart to remember that I will see my loved one again. You have defeated death, and one day, all will be made right. Thank You for giving us this sure promise, Lord. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.”
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