How do you pray for the grieving?
Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless. Psalm 88:15
Merciful Father,
Today we continue our prayer for those grieving an agonizing loss
with more words from Psalm 88.
For those who feel: “Your wrath lies heavy upon me;
and you overwhelm me with your waves,” (Psalm 88:7),
show them your tender compassion and mercy
through the suffering of your Son.
Remind them that he endured your wrath fully
so that those who trust in him might never endure it again.
Help us to bear their burdens by believing for them
as they wrestle with their unbelief.
For those who feel:
“O Lord, why do you cast my soul away?
Why do you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 88:14),
Draw near to them in their doubt,
show them your grace.
May we enter their grief,
not with words of explanation for the inexplicable,
but with presence for those who keenly feel your absence.
Most of all, Father,
we thank you for these dark and harsh words of grief
written right here in our Bibles.
May we share them with our grieving friends,
inviting them to lament their losses.
You are faithful, and you will hear our prayers.
In Jesus’ grieving name. Amen.
Read Psalm 88:1-18.
