How to Pray for the Grieving

Every time we hear of the passing of a loved one, there is an overwhelming sense of inadequacy and helplessness. We want to DO something to help. We feel obligated to SAY the perfect thing. Frankly, words are empty and shallow in the face of loss. We cannot change the fact that our loved one must navigate loss. However, God, in His wisdom, has provided a way for every believer to help others in loss: prayer. We can pray for the grieving.

Prayer must not be the last resort in seasons of grief, it must be our immediate response. Was it sudden? Take it to the One who knew beforehand. Was it long and painful? Take it to the One who understands pain and suffering. Was it the result of violence? Take it to the Just One who suffered at the hands of wicked men. Our Savior not only understands the hurt that we cannot, but He works on their behalf as we cannot. 

Praying Scripture for the Hurting

As we read the Scriptures, we are reminded of the sufficiency of the Word and the responsibility of God’s people to help one another. There are many practical ways we can help (or sadly, hurt) those who are grieving. Scripture commands us to “weep with them that weep.” Often, that is the best thing we can do after a tragedy. But nothing can replace the work of prayer. Every believer can pray. Every believer must pray. Yet, so often, it is the one work we neglect. 

How can we pray? If you are feeling overwhelmed by the loss of a loved one or if you long to help a dear one who is hurting, look to the Word of God. The best guide in prayer is the Book written by the One who hears our prayers. We have compiled a list of 20 Bible prayers (print out HERE) to bring to the Lord on behalf of those who are grieving. Claim these truths, and pray for God to do a divine work through them. (Click HERE to learn more about Praying the Bible.)

20 Bible Prayers for the Grieving

1. A Prayer for Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:2-4)
2. A Prayer for True Healing (Isaiah 61:1-2)
3. A Prayer for the Nearness of God (Psalm 34:18)
4. A Prayer for Divine Binding (Psalm 147:3)
5. A Prayer for the Hurting Heart to Look to Jesus (Isaiah 53:3-5)
6. A Prayer for Mercy (Lamentations 3:31-33)
7. A Prayer for Eternal Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:12-14)
8. A Prayer for Faith that God Will Wipe Away Every Tear (Revelation 21:3-5)
9. A Prayer for God to Sustain (Psalm 55:22)
10. A Prayer for Joy Amid Sorrow (Isaiah 61:3)
11. A Prayer for Divine Shelter (Psalm 61:1-3)
12. A Prayer for Those Who Weep (Psalm 56:7-9)
13. A Prayer for God to Hear Their Cry (2 Kings 20:4-6)
14. A Prayer for True Rest in Their Soul (Psalm 116:7-9)
15. A Prayer for One Who Lost A Child (2 Samuel 12:22-23)
16. A Prayer for Divine Care (Psalm 147:2-4)
17. A Prayer for God’s Peace (Philippians 4:6-8, John 14:26-27)
18. A Prayer for Gratitude Even in Death ( 1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
19. A Prayer for Eternal Perspective (2 Corinthians 4:13-18)
20. A Prayer for Souls to Be Saved (Philippians 1:12, 20)

Scripture provides a foundation upon which to pray. We find truth and pray to God, knowing that the Spirit will help us pray as we ought: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). 

As you go before the throne on behalf of another, consider this earnest prayer by Peter Marshall. Allow the truth and spirit of this prayer to encourage and help you today.

Peter Marshall: A Prayer For Those Who Bear A Living Grief

Lord Jesus, Thou hast been despised and rejected of men; be merciful to the disillusioned, to all those whose hearts have been wounded.

There are some for whom skies are dark, whose future is uncertain. These are Thy children with nameless griefs, weighed down in the bitterness of sorrow, living sorrows that have no graves and cannot be buried. There are hearts heavy with suspense, who wait in the twilight of an excruciating uncertainty.

Thou art a God who knowest every sin and shame of our lives and who loves us still. Be gracious now unto all these. Make them to feel the strength and the power of Thy grace that grants the ability to endure.

But, Lord, we pray not just that they will endure. We ask that even as a grain of sand in the oyster shell becomes — by patience and the grace of God — a pearl, so may the troubles of these, Thy children, yet become tokens of loveliness to glorify Thee.

May they learn through these troubles what a wonderful God Thou art! Then shall we lift up our hearts, for Thou shalt cause a new light to shine in their eyes and a lilting song to return to their jaded hearts.

We know, Lord, that at the last all the lost chords of earth will be found in Heaven; all the broken melodies of our lives will be blended in the harmony and beauty of Thy glory. By this hope are we upheld and sustained; in this hope we live.

In the strong name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

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Navigating Grief

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