Prayer Topic #13:
A Prayer for People Overcoming the Death of a Loved One
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 147:1-11, I Thessalonians 4:13-18
Reflections of the Heart:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” ~ Matthew 5:4 (NKJV)
Scriptural Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank You for Your precious Son, Jesus. We are grateful for a Savior who understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same tests as we do. We are comforted just by knowing that He cares about the sorrows of those who grieve over the loss of people they loved. Thank You for the Comforter – the Holy Spirit, who lives inside of us. We are grateful for Your sustaining love that holds us near and gives us the courage to stand when our emotions seem overwhelming. Truly, we have seen You in the sanctuary and we have gazed upon Your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself. How we praise You! We will praise You as long as we live, lifting up our hands to You in prayer.
Precious Father, Your strong arm keeps us intact when we feel as if we can’t go on. We declare that those who are going through the process of grief are overcomers right now! They can be assured that even though their weeping may last through the night, joy comes in the morning. They will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to retain the best memories of their departed loved ones in their hearts. We confess that they take comfort in the sincere support and prayers of their brothers and sisters in Christ. They are not bitter, fearful, or anxious for anything. We proclaim that any financial challenge that may have been incurred because of their loved one’s death is now covered, for You are their Jehovah-Jireh. We decree that they are strong in You and in Your mighty power. We declare that they are able to go forward because they are armed with the knowledge that Your plans for them are for good and not for disaster, to give them a future and a hope.
List the names of people you personally know who are overcoming the death of a loved one and include them in this prayer:
Holy Spirit, remind us all that we are connected to one another. Help us to be more compassionate and thoughtful toward those who are overcoming the death of a loved one. Teach us to discern when it is appropriate to speak and when it is best to offer the ministry of presence. Show us what it truly means to obey the law of Christ by bearing each other’s burdens. Give clarity and wisdom to those within bereaved families who are responsible for the funeral and burial plans of their deceased loved ones. Lead them through the process without incident. Draw families closer during this time and make them more spiritually sensitive, patient, and prayerful with one another. Even though this is a tough time, give them the assurance to know that the Father will soon give them a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing for mourning, and festive praise instead of despair.
Heavenly Father, forgive us for our sins of apathy, indifference, and insensitivity toward the bereaved. Forgive families who are fighting with one another and stirring confusion during a time when they should be coming together in unity. Forgive those who are being greedy and selfish over the appropriations of a loved one’s will and possessions. Forgive those who are still holding grudges and unforgiveness toward the deceased. Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that You have committed). Holy Spirit, remind the bereaved of those they need to forgive and help them to be quick to forgive. As for me, Holy Spirit, bring to my remembrance those I need to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that You may need to forgive. As He reveals them, say, “I forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in Your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Holy Spirit, help the bereaved not to yield to temptation but deliver them from the evil one.
Great and Mighty God, You are the Lord, our Redeemer; the Holy One of Israel. Oh, that You would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in Your presence! For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like You who works for those who wait on Him. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scripture References for the Written Text: Hebrews 4:15, Psalm 63:2-4, Psalm 30:5, Ephesians 6:10, Jeremiah 29:11, Galatians 6:2, Isaiah 61:3, Matthew 6:13, Isaiah 41:14, Isaiah 64:1, 4
Today, I will trust God to:
© Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. ©2022 Caldwell Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved — No reproduction of the material is permitted without the expressed permission of CMI
