The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
About 3 1/2 years ago on May 13, 2022, my soulmate, Julia Ewert, was called home to Glory. The waves of shock and grief hit me hard, especially in the following year.
But, from the very beginning many prayed for me and God heard their prayers. And in answer to their prayer, God’s abundant comfort, peace, hope and healing have met the deepest cries of my heart again and again.
As I’ve thought about it this week, I believe those four needs that God met in answer to prayer are the CORE needs of every grieving friend or loved one. So, these days I pray what I’ve learned from those who prayed for me…
In prayer we seek God’s answer to these FOUR KEY NEEDS of loved ones coping with grief…[1]
1. COMFORT — feeling supported, not alone [2]
Lord Jesus, my loved one’s pain is so deep, anger so fierce, and fear so crippling. In the midst of all those emotions, I see numbness setting in. O Lord, wrap Your arms around them. Help me to be an “angel of mercy” to them and assure them You fight for them, that we fight for them.
Lord, I pray You provide a time of comfort and rest for those whose heart is hurting right now. Wrapped in Your love, remind them You are present. Soothe the aching heart as it learns to lean on You for comfort and guidance. Trusting You that You’re here and never leaving, help their weak spirits to keep moving and their broken hearts to keep beating. In Your name, Jesus, Amen.
2. PEACE — quietness of spirit, acceptance of God’s sovereign, loving care above and beyond all unanswered questions [3]
Dear God, we humbly come before You with heavy hearts. We pray for those going through a season of sorrow so deep at times breathing seems difficult, facing new worries, searching for answers. We pray You show them Your love and grace and help them to find peace in Your sovereign care and love, allowing You to answer the unanswered questions in time. Help them to find stillness a friend to tears and Your Word a shield against thoughts spinning backward or upside down. Help them to gather themselves so they can begin to find stability emotionally and strength of mind to face another day. Amen.
3. HOPE — purpose of ongoing life, near future possibilities [4]
Lord God, please add hope to the grief of these we love. In expectation for what You are doing and where You are taking us, help them to believe that tomorrow will be better, the next day easier, and a day will come when energy for living will return. My grieving loved ones need rest and refreshment for their tired and weary souls—as only You can give. Grant them strength to believe and hope again. For Your name’s sake, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Lamentations 2:13, 3:20-26 NIV
“What can I say for you? With what can I compare you, Daughter Jerusalem? To what can I liken you, that I may comfort you, Virgin Daughter Zion? Your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can heal you?…
“[3:20] I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
4. Healing — stability of emotions, clarity of mind, strength of body [5]
Lord Jesus, You are our healer and by the Holy Spirit breathe new life into us — when it seems life is over. Grief wounds the heart so deeply where only Your Word can reach. O God, send your Word and bring joy again to what is broken. Help those who grieve to accept loss through a celebration of life, not the end of one. Give those who grieve faith, comfort and a strong heart to be able to have strength for daily chores and once again apply clear thinking to the path ahead. Amen.
“He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.” Luke 10:34 NIV
“And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ’Son, your sins are forgiven.’ …But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— 11 ’I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.’ 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this!’” Mark 2:1-12 ESV
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 ESV
“He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.” Psalm 107:20 ESV
[1] Reference for this post: 20 Prayers for Loved Ones Coping With Grief – Milano Monuments
[2] Matthew 5:4, Psalm 42:1-3, 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
[3] John 14:1,27; Philippians 4:7
[4] Psalm 23:4, Romans 4:17-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:13
[5] Psalm 103, 107:20; 147:3; Jeremiah 17:14
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