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 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 Bible prayers 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.

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).