Grief is something that we all are going to experience during this lifetime. Whether it is the loss of a person, a job, an opportunity, or a painful experience, grief will be a natural reaction to one of these things happening. In an ideal world, we would all be able to process grief in a healthy way, but that usually isn’t the case. Grief can be an overwhelming feeling. It is uncomfortable which makes it easier to try to avoid dealing with it. It can be especially hard to know how to comfort a person who is grieving. Whether we are the ones grieving, or it is someone close to us, it's helpful to learn how to deal with it or be there in a comforting way for those who are grieving around us.
One other specific way that we can deal with grief is through prayer. Whether it is praying for our own struggle with grief, or praying for those around us who are grieving, prayer is a healthy way to deal with it. What does a prayer for grief look like?
If you look throughout the Bible, you will find places where people just like us have struggled with grief. Many of the Psalms were written out of a state of grief. They would talk to God, and tell Him how they were doing. They were reminded who their God was, and found comfort in him. They were essentially praying.
In addition to prayer, there are a couple of things that we can do. For those that are around us, it can be helpful to send a card, to let them know you are there for them, or bring them a meal. If we are going through a time of personal grief, it can be helpful for us to open up to a friend or loved one, go see a counselor, or open up the Bible and find some verses that are comforting to our soul. The worst thing we can do is not deal with it. It is important that we move through grief, not stay there forever.
Let's look at how we can lift up a prayer for grief for ourselves and others who are going through a period of pain.
A Prayer for Comfort in Grief
Father God, Your Word reminds us that You are the God of all comfort, the One who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). Today, as I stand in the shadow of grief and loss, I turn to You for the comfort that only You can provide. Your Word assures us that blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4). I cling to this promise, trusting that You will wrap Your loving arms around me and bring solace to my aching heart.
In my moments of despair, I find comfort in the knowledge that You are a compassionate God, full of unfailing love and tender mercies (Psalm 145:9). Your grace sustains me, and Your love surrounds me, even in the darkest of times. Lord, as I seek Your comfort and peace, may I also find the strength to comfort others who are grieving, just as You have comforted me (2 Corinthians 1:4). I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus, who is our great High Priest and the source of all comfort (Hebrews 4:14-16). Amen.
A Heartfelt Prayer for Condolences and Sympathy
Heavenly Father, We come before You with heavy hearts, grieving the loss of [Name]. We are deeply saddened by this parting, and we turn to You for comfort and solace.
Lord, we lift up to You all those who are affected by this loss—the family, friends, and loved ones. May Your presence be a source of strength and peace in their time of grief.
We pray for Your grace to surround them, for Your love to envelop them, and for Your light to guide them through the darkness of sorrow. We ask for Your comfort to touch their hearts, soothing the pain of separation. May Your Spirit bring healing to the wounded and brokenhearted.
Lord, as we mourn the loss of [Name], we also celebrate the life that was lived. We thank You for the memories, the love shared, and the impact [Name] had on our lives. Help us to find hope in the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. May we take comfort in knowing that [Name] is now in Your presence, free from pain and suffering.
We commit all our grief, our questions, and our tears into Your hands, trusting in Your unfailing love and mercy. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
A Prayer for Grief For Ourselves
Father, Thank you that you are the “source of all comfort,” like it says in 1 Corinthians 1:3. I ask for your comfort to overwhelm me right now. I am not doing okay. My heart is sad, and I don’t know what to do about it, except for coming to you right now. Help me process what I am going through, and not just sweep my feelings under the rug. I’m not good at this, so I don’t know what to do next. Help me reach out to others if I need to. Help me trust that you will be with me every moment I am going through this. I am grateful that this will not last forever, and that one day you will make all things right. Help me fix my eyes on you, and cling to you during this time. Thank you, that you meet me right where I am. Amen.
A Prayer for Grief For Others
Father,
I praise you that you are not a God who is far away, but who is with us, and who is near to us always. I lift up anyone who is struggling with grief right now. Help them know that you are close, and that you will heal their broken heart. Like it says in Psalms 42:11, help them know that they can put their “hope in God.” You will not fail them. Help them believe that about you. Surround them with people who can help them through this time, and help them to be vulnerable, so they can process what they are going through. Give us eyes to see others who might be grieving, and direct us in how to best minister to them. Lord, help us remember that you know exactly what we go through when we grieve, because you have been through it yourself. You understand and can relate to us. We place those we know who are grieving into your loving hands because you know exactly what they need. Amen.
A Prayer for Hope
Lord, in the midst of my grief, I cling to the precious promise from Your Word, found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Lord, this hope is my lifeline, my anchor in the storm of sorrow. It reminds me that even in the darkest moments, there is a glimmer of light, a promise of something more.
In my moments of despair, when the weight of grief feels unbearable, remind me that I am not alone, and my hope is not in vain. Your presence is with me, and Your Spirit intercedes for me with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26-27). You understand the depths of my sorrow and offer comfort and peace that surpass understanding.
Lord, help me to anchor my hope in You and Your promises. May it be a steadfast and unwavering hope, a beacon of light in the midst of darkness, and a source of strength to endure the trials of grief. With You as my anchor, I can face each day with courage, knowing that the hope of eternity is secure. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Condolences
Here are three prayers to offer condolences and comfort to someone who is grieving:
Prayer of Comfort and Presence: "Heavenly Father, we come before you with heavy hearts, seeking your comfort and solace for our dear friend [Name] as they navigate the difficult path of grief. Lord, you are the God of all comfort, and we ask that you wrap your loving arms around them during this challenging time. Be their refuge and strength, a constant presence in their sorrow. May your peace that surpasses all understanding guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
Prayer of Sympathy and Support: "Lord, we lift up our prayers for [Name] and their family as they mourn the loss of their loved one. We ask that you grant them the strength to endure, the courage to face each day, and the assurance of your unwavering love. Help us, as friends and family, to be a source of comfort and support, offering a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear. May your presence be felt in their midst, providing peace and healing. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
Prayer for Peace and Healing: "Dear Heavenly Father, we humbly approach your throne of grace on behalf of [Name] and their family as they grieve the loss of [Name of deceased]. We pray that you would be their refuge and fortress, a source of strength and peace. Pour out your healing balm upon their wounded hearts, and grant them the comfort that can only come from you. May the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ bring them solace in their sorrow. Surround them with your love and the support of caring friends and family. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
A Prayer for Strength in Coping with Grief
Lord, I know that You are my refuge and my fortress, a present help in times of trouble. I ask for Your strength to sustain me as I navigate this difficult journey of grief. When I feel weak and overwhelmed, be my rock and my shield. may I find my ultimate strength in You, knowing that Your grace is sufficient for every trial. In my weakness, Your strength is made perfect. Help me to trust in Your plan and purpose, even in the midst of this pain.
Lord, during moments of despair, help me find hope in Your promises. Remind me that You are close to the brokenhearted and that You save those who are crushed in spirit. May Your presence be a balm to my wounded soul. I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus, the One who bore our griefs and carried our sorrows and who offers us peace and strength in times of trouble. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Prayer for Comfort and Healing
Heavenly Father, In the midst of our sorrow and pain, we turn to You, the source of comfort and healing. Our hearts are heavy with grief, and we come before You seeking solace. We ask for Your loving presence to surround us, for Your peace to calm our troubled spirits, and for Your healing touch to mend our wounded hearts.
Lord, shine your light of hope in the darkness of grief, and may Your love carry us through this difficult journey. May we find healing in your kindness and care toward us. We trust in Your promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, and we find hope in the knowledge that one day, we will be reunited with our loved ones in Your presence.
In the midst of our grief, we place our trust in Your loving arms, knowing that You are our refuge and our healer. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Short Prayers Asking for Peace
"Heavenly Father, in the midst of my grief, I pray for your peace to wash over me. Grant me comfort as I navigate this sorrowful journey, and may your presence fill me with hope and healing."
"Lord, during this time of grief, I lift my heavy heart to you. Surround me with your peace that surpasses understanding. May your gentle touch bring healing to my wounded spirit and renew my hope in your promises."
"Dear God, as I mourn the loss of my loved one, I seek your comforting presence. Grant me the peace that can only come from you, and help me find solace in the assurance of your love and eternal hope."
"Heavenly Father, in the midst of this grief, I turn to you for your peace. Pour your healing balm over my wounds, fill my heart with hope, and remind me of your constant presence. May your peace sustain me through this difficult time."
Prayer for a Broken Heart
Dear God, I come before You with a heart heavy with grief and brokenness. The pain I feel is overwhelming, and I struggle to find the strength to carry this burden. Lord, You are the God who sees and understands the depths of my sorrow. I lay my broken heart before You, knowing that You are the ultimate source of comfort and healing.
Lord, I don't have all the answers, and I don't understand why this loss has happened. But I trust in Your sovereignty and your perfect plan. I ask that You would wrap Your loving arms around me and hold me close during this difficult time.
Please grant me the grace to grieve honestly and to feel the depths of my emotions. Help me to release my pain, anger, and confusion to You, knowing that You are a God who cares deeply for me.
As I walk this path of grief, I ask for Your presence to be a constant source of solace and strength. Surround me with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and fill the emptiness in my heart with Your love.
Lord, help me to find moments of hope amidst the darkness. Give me the courage to cherish the memories of my loved one and to find comfort in the knowledge that they are in Your eternal care.
In my brokenness, Lord, I ask for Your healing touch. Mend the shattered pieces of my heart and make me whole again. Grant me the resilience to move forward, one step at a time, knowing that You are walking beside me.
I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus, the One who understands our suffering and offers us hope and healing. Amen.
Prayer for a Grieving Friend
Gracious and Loving Father, I pray for my friend who is grieving the loss of their loved one. You know the intimate details of how deeply they are hurting, how painful the sorrow is, and what they need each day. I ask that you bring them comfort and strength, fulfilling the promise that you are near to the brokenhearted. Surround them, oh Lord, with a community of people who will show them love, compassion, and care. I ask that you would help them in their darkest moments to cling to you. Help them to draw near to you as they are grieving. I ask that they will find hope and healing in the coming months and years. Lord, keep watch over them and their family who are grieving.
In Jesus’ name, Amen. (Pamela Palmer)
When Grief Makes Prayer Hard
Jesus, my pain is so deep. My anger is fierce, my fear is crippling. And then in the midst of all of these emotions, numbness sets in. I struggle to know how to pray or where to begin! So I’m going to remind myself of truth. I know you are here with me in my grief. I know you are mending the brokenness in ways I can’t always see. Lord, hold me in your arms, take this pain and help me bear it. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. (Kimberly Carroll)
What to Say to Someone Who Is Grieving
When we know someone who is grieving, it can be hard to know what to say that would be helpful. It is a sensitive and emotional time for those going through it, so we want to be careful with the words that we use.
Here are some things that we can say to someone who is grieving:
“It’s okay to feel all the feelings.”
“I am here for you.”
“I am grieving with you.”
“I am just going to sit with you, be present, and listen if you want to talk.”
“It’s okay to not be okay.”
“I am bringing dinner, what would you like?”
“I don’t know the right thing to say, but I am sorry, and I love you.”
Grieving will probably be one of the hardest things that we have to go through, and one of the hardest things we will have to see others go through. We can be confident though, in the fact that we have prayer to help us and others through it. We can also find assurance that the Lord is always with us and that the grief will not last forever. It is just a matter of allowing ourselves to feel it as we let the Lord in so he can heal us.
Comforting Scriptures for Grief
As mentioned before, if we want to know what a prayer for grief looks like, we can look at Scripture. Not only can we see how to pray, but these verses can provide us with comfort while we grieve.
Here are some comforting Scriptures for our time of grief:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” - Psalms 34:18
“The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.” - Psalms 6:9
“I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.” - Psalms 119:28
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” - 2 Corinthians 1:4
“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!” - Psalms 42:11
“Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.” - Lamentations 3:32
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” - Psalms 56:8
“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” - Matthew 5:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” - Revelation 21:4
These verses can provide such comfort in a time of grieving. Seeing the raw emotion in these verses helps us know we can be completely real and honest with God. When we are praying, we are connected to him, and drawing closer to him, and that’s right where He wants us to be.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/fizkes
Becky Weber is a wife, and mom to 4 kids. She loves to write and speak. She is a pastor’s wife in Sioux Falls, SD where her husband Adam is the lead pastor of Embrace Church. Her passion is to encourage others (especially women) to learn how to walk with Jesus on a daily basis. You can find more writing over at www.becweber.com and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.
This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
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