The loss of a loved one can be a startling and despairing time, whether sudden or anticipated. Losing someone you love is difficult even when you have hope they are still with God. Grief is unpredictable and can be extremely lonesome. It is important in times of mourning and sorrow to recall the truth of God's love and faithfulness.
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
Here are our favorite prayers that can offer comfort and peace when you've lost a loved one. Seek solace from the comforting grace of God in times of sorrow. Ask with a pure heart and He will help you!
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
Bless those who mourn, eternal God, with the comfort of your love that they may face each new day with hope and the certainty that nothing can destroy the good that has been given. May their memories become joyful, their days enriched with friendship, and their lives encircled by your love. - Vienna Cobb Anderson
O Lord God, Lord of life and death, you turn man to dust and say, “Return, O children of men,” we give you thanks for all the mercies which during their life you bestowed on this our beloved, now fallen asleep. Especially do we praise you for having brought them to the knowledge of your dear Son Jesus Christ.
"And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
Comfort the survivors with your everlasting comfort, and cheer them with the sweet hope of a blessed reunion in heaven. Grant to the lifeless body rest in the bosom of the earth, and hereafter, together with us all, a joyful resurrection to life everlasting.
Teach us all to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom, and finally be saved; through Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, our Lord and Savior. Amen. ~ Source
I cry for those of us left behind, for the lonely ones with hollows in our hearts. I ask You to comfort us, give peace, restore hope, and lavish us with love, family, and belonging. In the depths of loss, meet us with Yourself.
I cry for the legacy this loved one leaves, for the ways the world has been made different by their presence, for the memories that become both more beautiful and more painful on this side of death. And I pray that the work You have accomplished in this remarkable life will grow deeper, wider, and stronger in the days to come, uninhibited by a weak opponent like death. - Gregory Coles
My heart feels like a thousand knives are running through it. I am weary, spent, and just so sad. Please, help me! Hear my prayers. Hold me and my family up. Give us strength. Be present. Be persistent in your love. Carry us through this heartache. Sustain us. Bring us joy and hope. - Lisa Appelo
Almighty and eternal God, have mercy on your servants, our friends. Keep them continually under your protection, and direct them according to your gracious favor in the way of eternal salvation.
May they desire whatever pleases you, and with all their strength strive to do it. As they trust in your mercy, O Lord, graciously assist them with your heavenly help, that they may always diligently serve you, and be separated from you by no temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ Source
Scripture: For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love. – Lamentations 3:31-32
“Lord, thank you that you have compassion for us. Your Word says that your compassion is according to the abundance of your steadfast love. You loved us so much that you sent your only Son to die for us, for our sins, so that we – by faith in his name – might live before you. That’s a lot of love!
“So if your steadfast love is that great, then we can be sure that your compassion for us is just as great, no matter what we are suffering. As my friend [name] grieves, and maybe even feels like you have cast him off, I ask that you would hear his cry.*
*Exodus 22:27, “And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.” ~ Source
May you see God's light on the path ahead when the road you walk is dark. May you always hear, even in your hour of sorrow, the gentle singing of the lark. When times are hard, may hardness never turn your heart to stone. May you always remember when the shadows fall, you do not walk alone. - Author Unknown
We pray for all whose lives have been touched by tragedy, whether by accident or a deliberate act.
For those who mourn, immerse them in your love and lead them through this darkness into your arms, and light.
For those who comfort, be in both the words they use and all that’s left unspoken; fill each heart with love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, whose own suffering brought us life, here and for eternity. Amen ~ Source
“Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief” (Psalm 31:9, NIV). My heart is broken, my mind exhausted. I cry out to you and hardly know what to ask. All I can do is tell you how I feel and ask you to “keep track of all my sorrows. . . . [collect] all my tears in your bottle. . . . [and record] each one in your book” as I pour them out to you (Psalm 56:8, NLT). Amen. ~ Source
We pray that in this time of loss,
You'll feel God's love much more
And that you'll find your comfort
In the presence of the Lord.
We pray God pours upon you,
His sweet amazing grace
And overflow your heart with peace
As you live in His embrace.
- M.S. Lowndes
More prayer topics:
Prayers for Healing
Serenity Prayer
Prayers for Strength
Prayers for Anxiety
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This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayers for Healing
Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
Night Prayers Before Bed
Prayers for Protection
The Lord's Prayer: Our Father