Prayers for those who must enter this year without loved ones � � � � � � � � � �

Prayers for those who mustenter this year without loved ones

Hope in Grief

As the taxi driver drove us to London’s Heathrow Airport, he told us his story. He had come alone to the United Kingdom at fifteen, seeking to escape war and deprivation. Now, eleven years later, he has a family of his own and is able to provide for them in ways unavailable in his native land. But he laments that he’s still separated from his parents and siblings. He told us that he has had a hard journey that won’t be complete until he’s reunited with his family�

Being separated from our loved ones in this life is hard, but losing a loved one in death is much harder and creates a sense of loss that won’t be made right until we’re reunited with them. When the new believers at Thessalonica wondered about such losses, Paul wrote, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). He explained that as believers in Jesus, we can live in expectation of a wonderful reunion—together forever in the presence of Christ (v. 17). Few experiences mark us as deeply as the separations we endure, but in Jesus we have hope of being reunited. And in the midst of grief and loss we can find the comfort we need in that enduring promise (v. 18).

Bill Crowder

A Prayer for God’s Comfort Heavenly Father, my heart aches. My tears flow freely. I just desperately miss my loved one—and the thought of no longer seeing their face or hearing their laugh physically hurts. How can the world carry on around me? But You know Father. You see me in my distress and You promise to be close. I need Your comfort; wrap me in Your embrace. I don’t know how to get through today; be with me Lord and carry my heartbreak with me. God of all comfort, comfort me I pray. Amen

A Prayer for Provision Lord, no one and nothing can fill the void in my life created by the person I am missing. You know the fears I have about stepping into this new year without them and the things I no longer know how to do. But I know You will be with me for each and every step. Hold me close, Lord, and meet my needs—from the practical worries to the heartache many experiences will now hold. Be present Lord, be my Companion, be the arm around my shoulders as I walk this road. Bring Your Light and hope at every turn. Amen

A Prayer for Hope Sovereign Lord, death was never meant to be a part of the world You created. It feels like a thief who continually robs us of those we love. In my grief, I lift my eyes to Jesus. He alone sits on the throne; He has defeated sin and death; His resurrection is the victory and promise for all His people. Though I am in mourning, may I also have a heart full of hope—for death has no real power over those who trust in You; death simply opens the door for us to enter Your home. Thank You Lord that You stand waiting to wipe every tear from my eye. Amen

5 Verses of Hope and Comfort for Those Who Are Grieving

1Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants�

Psalm 116:15

2The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law� But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you� 1 Corinthians 15:55-58

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles� 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

4We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him�

1 Thessalonians 4:14

5I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them� They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God� ‘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�” Revelation 21:3-4

THE Lord IS close to the brokenhearted

AND SAVES THOSE WHO ARE CRUSHED IN SPIRIT.

PSALM 34:18