{"id":4090,"date":"2017-09-18T11:21:44","date_gmt":"2017-09-18T15:21:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/prayerplainandsimple\/?p=4090"},"modified":"2017-09-18T11:21:44","modified_gmt":"2017-09-18T15:21:44","slug":"prayer-loved-one-dies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/prayerplainandsimple\/2017\/09\/prayer-loved-one-dies.html","title":{"rendered":"A Prayer When a Loved One Dies"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Lord cares deeply<\/strong><\/em>
\n when his loved ones die. (Psalm 116:15)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\"32990021810_586fb01b98_z\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A beautiful member of our family left this world early this morning. It is a solemn day that reminds us how fleeting our time is here. When a loved one slips away, we are left with such sorrow. The future looks so empty without that dear one\u2019s presence to give guidance and love. How can we pray? Let\u2019s lean on the promises of the Scriptures, and pray for\u00a0the families of the grieving.<\/p>\n

Our Father,<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank You for Your Word that gives comfort. Our loved ones\u2019 hearts are broken today. They are crushed with the disappointment of losing their beloved. You have said that You are close to the broken-hearted and that You save those who are crushed in spirit. May Your presence and help be very present in their time of need, felt tangibly by each one.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

There is little that we can say or do to ease their pain, so we are coming to You.\u00a0<\/em>We know You do not numb their pain, for their grief is real and an essential part of processing great loss. Yet, we boldly ask that as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death, that they would sense that they are not walking alone. You are walking with them as You promised, so they have nothing to fear. <\/em><\/p>\n

I pray that fear would not take root in their grieving. Instead, we ask that the peace of Heaven would flood their souls. Give them images of their beloved resting in Your arms. And help them to see that they can rest there too, for You care deeply for them.<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank You that You treasure each tear they shed. Your Word tells us that tears are precious to You and that You catch each one that falls. May those who are grieving rest assured that You are doing that now in a very real way.<\/em><\/p>\n

You have promised to work all things out for good for those who love You and take up Your calling upon their lives. We trust that You will work this sad loss out for good. Somehow in Your amazing wisdom and compassion, You will allow great things to come of this tragedy. We don\u2019t know how or when, but we are taking You at Your word, for we know You do not lie or stretch the truth. We can count on every word You have uttered \u2013 each word is\u00a0wholly dependable and true.<\/em><\/p>\n

Jesus came to love the world, not to condemn. May His love flood each soul. May any regrets be washed away and only happy memories abide with them. Draw the family together in close unity as they help each other and talk with each other about their grief. Remind them that this is not all there is; that there is an eternity that they\u00a0can enjoy together once again, so much better than this, if we simply believe the love You have for us.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

We entrust the spirit of this loved one to You. You are good. We know this to be true. May Your name be appreciated, exalted, and praised even in the midst of sorrow and suffering.<\/em><\/p>\n

In Jesus\u2019 Name<\/em>
\nAmen<\/em><\/p>\n

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,<\/strong><\/em>
\nAnd all is darkened in the vale of tears,<\/strong><\/em>
\nThen shalt thou better know His love, His heart,<\/strong><\/em>
\nWho comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears\u2026<\/strong><\/em>
\nBe still, my soul: when change and tears are past<\/strong><\/em>
\nAll safe and bless\u00e8d we shall meet at last.<\/strong><\/em>
\n(Ka\u00adtha\u00adri\u00adna A. von Schle\u00adgel, 1752)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I entrust my spirit into your hand. (Psalm 31:5)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Photo credit:\u00a0x1klima<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0Foter.com<\/a>\u00a0\/\u00a0CC BY-ND<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die. (Psalm 116:15) A beautiful member of our family left this world early this morning. It is a solemn day that reminds us how fleeting our time is here. When a loved one slips away, we are left with such sorrow. 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