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15 Prayers for Grief and Loss of A Loved One
Modified: May 21, 2024
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Losing someone dear to us can be unbearable. Here are 15 prayer for grief to help us cope and that we can use to minister to others.
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Life is unexpected, short, and fleeting, and people come and go in our lives. Our loved ones and friends won’t be with us forever, and we’ll never know when would be the last time they’re going to be with us. We don’t get another chance once they’re gone, and no one else can ever fill that space they leave in our hearts. A simple but powerful way to start our journey to healing is by lifting up a prayer for grief to God.
As someone who has also experienced grief and loss, the pain is almost unbearable and at times, suffocating. But God’s grace is sufficient for us to get through such painful seasons in our lives (2 Corinthians 12:9). Take comfort in knowing that they are now in a better place. Let’s also look to the scriptures, like bible verses about grief, to help lighten the burden of the heart of the person who’s mourning a loss. As Biblevise reminds us, we may not be able to take away the pain of loss, but we can offer prayers for those grieving to help them heal and find strength in God. May our prayers be a prayer for comfort and strength for the grieving hearts today.
Prayer for Grief and Loss
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1. Prayer for Grief Over the Death of Someone Dear to Me
Losing someone dear to us is never easy; the pain and loneliness can be overwhelming. Here is a prayer for grief to help us get encouragement and hope from the Lord amid our heartache.
Dear Lord, I have lost someone dear to me and I am struggling with my overwhelming emotions. I ask that you envelop me with the comfort and peace that only You can provide. I pray for You to lessen this burden as days pass by. Help me to find refuge in Your presence, Lord. Fill the emptiness in me with Your love. I know that better days are coming because You are with me. Help me hold on to that hope, Lord, for I know Your love can take away my sorrow. I pray for my loved one who is now with You in heaven. May their soul find eternal rest as they are now at peace in Your kingdom. This I ask through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Psalm 9:9 The Lord will be a high tower for those who are crushed down, a high tower in times of trouble.
2. A Hopeful Prayer to Comfort a Grieving Friend
It can be difficult for us to see someone close to us go through the process of grief. When we can’t find the words to say, we can offer a sympathy prayer for grieving friends to show we are here for them.
Dear God, I lift up my friend who is mourning the loss of a loved one. I pray that You bring them comfort amidst this painful event. We hold on to Your promise of walking with us through the darkest valleys of our lives, and I know we are not alone, especially during this difficult time. With this condolence prayer, I pray that my dear friend’s heart is soothed as they find strength in You. Please watch over them and take away their anguish, so that they may see Your light at the end of the tunnel. I pray that they do not lose hope as they grieve, for You have great plans for them amidst all this pain. Protect their heart and mind with Your peace, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
3. Prayer for Loss of a Loved One
Grief and loss can sometimes waver our faith in God, especially when we are missing someone. We question His plans and even His authority over our lives. Though God is gracious and allows us to be angry at Him, have you ever wondered what it would be like to respond in pain but also in faith? With this prayer, let us refocus on God’s faithfulness and love, which shines ever brighter during our time of mourning and sadness.
Father God, the pain I am feeling now is too hard to bear. There is so much sorrow and pain that I can’t deal with on my own. I am holding onto You, for You are my rock and my fortress. The hole in my heart can only be mended by You. Remind me of Your unfailing love and comfort me during this difficult time. I know that Your grace is more than sufficient to carry me through this heartache. Though my heart grieves over my beloved, my faith assures me that this loss is not a bitter one. My loved one may no longer be with me, but I know they have been reunited with You, and that alone should be celebrated. This time of loss brings me closer to You, for only You can sustain me and bring me hope. Glory to God in the highest. Amen.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
4. Prayer of Comfort for Those Hurting
When we lose someone we care about, the hurt and pain don’t immediately disappear. It is a process. Here is a prayer for grief to comfort those who are still hurting and grieving.
Lord, we know that You are the God who comforts us. I pray that You provide a time of comfort and rest for those whose hearts are hurting right now. Hold them in Your embrace, Father. Wrap them in Your love and remind them that though they may have lost someone dear, they are not alone, for You are with them. Bring to them the hope of Your unfailing love and turn their sadness into gladness. Soothe their heartache as they lean on You for comfort and guidance. I pray that their grief heals smoothly, for You will be with them every step of the way. May they hold on to You for strength, hope, and sustenance. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
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5. A Prayer for the Grieving Heart
Grief brings us distress and deep pain. Here is a prayer for grief to comfort a grieving heart and ask the Lord’s help to lighten its burden.
Dear God, I humbly come before You with a heavy heart. I pray that as I go through this season of sorrow, You would show me Your love and grace. Help me to find peace in Your presence. Wipe my tears, Lord, and carry me through this season of mourning and deep sadness. Help me to trust in Your unfailing love and to fix my eyes on You, Jesus. As I lift my worries to You, I humbly ask that You lift up my heart from this grief that overwhelms me. May Your presence bring me joy and comfort as I embark on this journey of healing with You. In Your most holy name, I pray. Amen.
Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
6. Strength Prayer to Comfort a Grieving Friend
Even the strongest people and friends we know can weaken when grief and loss strike. We can offer a prayer for strength during difficult times to help our loved ones find the strength they need to overcome this loss. Here is a prayer for grief to comfort and help them find strength in the Lord and lean on Him as they mourn.
Lord, You are the God of strength, hope, and comfort. This is a sure promise and I pray that my grieving friend would find solace in this truth. Please help them to be strong and courageous during this time of sorrow, knowing that You are with them. I pray for my friend to look to You for help. Lend them Your strength as they lean on You for support and comfort during this very difficult time. I pray for rest and refreshment for their tired and weary soul, as only You can give them the rest they need. I humbly ask that You renew my friend’s strength as they place their hope in you. Blessed be God forever. Amen.
Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you; you need to only be still.
7. Prayer for Grieving Family
Here is a prayer for grief to intercede for a family who is trying to cope with the loss of their loved one. We offer this prayer for healing for a family member who is struggling with loss. May they always find their way back to God, as it is He who knows their suffering best.
Dear God, You see this family who is hurting right now because of losing a loved one. I pray for You to comfort and carry these precious people in their pain, loss, and sadness. Cover them with Your love and peace. Their hearts and minds are weary, so humbly I pray that You can provide them the peace and rest their hearts seek. I offer this prayer for healing their hearts as they learn to navigate life without their loved ones. Let them find serenity in You, knowing their loved one is at peace in Your arms. I pray they take comfort in knowing that their loved one is already in a better place. In Your most Holy name, I pray. Amen.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
8. Prayer for Grief and Loss of a Mother
One of the most heartbreaking losses for a lot of us is the loss of a mother. This prayer for the loss of a mother can help you intercede for someone who is going through this heartache.
Lord, You are the God of compassion, refuge, and peace. I pray for those who had just lost their mother, that You calm their troubled mind and comfort their grieving heart. May You replace their sorrow with joy in knowing that their mothers have returned home and with You. I pray that even amid their grief, they would celebrate her life and cherish the memories they had with her. May they hold on to the hope that one day, they will see her again in our home in heaven with You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
9. Prayer for Someone Who Just Passed Away
Let’s lift this prayer for someone who just passed away to ask God for their soul’s eternal rest and to remember and celebrate their life.
Dear God, thank You for the life of our dearly beloved. Thank You for allowing us to be a part of their life here on earth. Though we mourn over this loss, we pray for the strength to overcome this sorrow so that we are able to instead celebrate the life of our loved one. As our loved one embarks on their journey to Your kingdom, we pray for their soul to find eternal rest and peace in Your presence. Let not our loved one part from You and may Your faithful servant enjoy Your glory for eternity. We lift up this prayer to You. Amen.
Romans 14:8 If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God.
10. Prayer for Grief: A Prayer of Assurance
We can get overwhelmed with sadness, pain, and anxiety during our time of mourning, and sometimes a prayer for grief can calm our spirit. As we seek comfort and rest for our weary hearts, here is a prayer of assurance that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us as we go through this storm.
Lord, thank You for You are always going before us. The grief and emptiness that we feel now in losing a loved one is not the end for us, for we know You hold tomorrow in Your hands. Thank You for the hope and comfort that Your presence brings. We offer this prayer with hope in our hearts, knowing that we will see our departed loved ones and friends again in the glory of Your presence in our home in heaven. Help us cling to this hope as we process our grief. May we always focus on You and know that we can always find comfort and refuge in Your love. We glorify Your most holy name always. Amen.
John 16:22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
11. A Prayer of Peace and Healing
In a season of sorrow and mourning where it’s hard to find rest, it is comforting to know that we can find great peace in the presence of God. Here is a prayer of peace and healing for the broken and weary hearts to find rest in the Lord amidst the grief they carry on their shoulders.
Lord, I know that You are the God who heals. Today, I pray for those whose hearts are heavy-laden with sadness and grief for losing a loved one or friend. May they come to You, Jesus, to find rest for their weary hearts and broken spirit. I pray that You would guard their hearts and minds with the kind of peace that can only come from You. Heal them and bind up their wounds and allow them to experience Your joy. I pray that You lead them beside still waters to calm their troubled minds. May Your presence bring refreshment to their soul and renewal of their strength. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Psalms 147: 3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
12. A Prayer to Remain Faithful
When we don’t understand the death and loss of someone we care about, it can be easy for us to question our faith because our emotions are running high. Here is a prayer that can help us stand firm in faith and still trust God has a purpose for our grief.
Lord, I come humbly before You today. My heart is heavy and I have a lot of questions in my mind. I pray, God, for Your wisdom and enlightenment to understand the reason for this loss. I know that Your will is always pleasing and perfect and I pray that You give me the heart to trust in this truth during this season. Help me Lord to trust in Your steadfast love and to remain faithful and obedient to You. I know that I am not defeated for You are for me and not against me. Remind me, Lord, that all things work for the good of us who love You. Help me build and strengthen my faith this season, Lord, that I may still glorify You. We glorify You always. Amen.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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13. Prayer for Comfort and Strength
When we find it hard to shake away the pain we feel from our loss, we can always turn to God so He can give us the comfort and strength we won’t find anywhere else in this world. Let’s remember that He is our pillar of strength whom we can always rely on.
Father, I know that You are the God who gives strength to the weary and who binds up the wounds of the brokenhearted. Today, I lay down my heavy heart at Your feet. I feel so tired and weak from the pain and emptiness that this loss has brought me. I don’t know how to get out of this and I seek Your help. Cover me with the comfort that only You can give. I pray for strength so I can get back on my feet again. Help me to face each day with renewed hope. I pray that Your peace will guard my heart and mind. Keep me and carry me through this season, Lord. I will place my trust in You for I know You will never leave me nor forsake me. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
14. Prayer for Grief and Acceptance
Losing someone especially if it’s sudden can be hard for us to accept. This is a prayer for someone who lost a loved one to ask God to comfort them and give them the courage to accept their loss. We offer this prayer for comfort in death so that we are able to accept the presence of death in our lives but give thanks too. After all, death is not the end of our lives, but the beginning of our eternal reunion with the Lord.
Dear Lord, I lift to You those who lost someone dear to them. Cover them with Your comfort and give them strength and courage to accept their loss. Remind them that You have a purpose for their grief and that You will help them heal. Grief consumes them. But, we pray that they seek Your guidance in embracing this loss. Teach them how to accept loss as a celebration of life, not the end of one. Give them Your peace that cannot be found anywhere else and hold them in the comfort of Your wings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.
15. A Prayer for Comfort to Overcome Loneliness
Sometimes, loneliness can still hit us hard no matter how long it has been since the passing of a loved one. Here is a comforting prayer to overcome the loneliness that losing someone special brings.
Dear God, I know that You are close to the brokenhearted and You are the God who heals and comforts. I pray for those who are still battling loneliness from losing their loved ones. Heal the wounds of their hearts and renew their strength and spirit. Bring them peace and hope, Lord. Let them be reminded of Your unfailing love that never leaves us. You are always watching over us, and I pray that Your presence in our lives overpowers any loneliness we may feel. With You, we are never alone, and may those whose hearts are overcome with grief be reminded of that every day. We lift this prayer up to You, Lord. Amen.
Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.