Heavenly Father, as our friend's and family's losses weigh on our hearts and perplex us in ways we can't understand, remind us that each season of life is there for a reason. Lord, help us to have an eternal perspective and to remember that we aren't made to be happy and whole in this life. Help us to be willing to walk beside our friends and family in whatever season we are given, whether rejoicing or grieving. Lord, we ask you to break our hearts for the things that break yours.
God, we may not understand the depth of grief from a parent who has lost a child. We may not know the loss of a child ourselves. Maybe we know a different kind of loss. Give us the clarity to remind ourselves that each and every life comes from you. Each child, no matter the time here, is perfectly made and loved for eternity. Let us reflect that truth back to those who mourn for the life of a child.
Jesus, the grief-stricken may turn to us with feelings that can overwhelm, leaving us wondering what to say or do. We want to fix it. We want to offer advice and suggestions because we love them and it pains us to see them suffer. Remind us that in the season of grief, a comforting presence is needed above anything else. Let us be the ones who hold and cry alongside, recognizing that only you can heal, not us.
Father, I want to be the kind of friend who walks beside another, even through a time I know nothing about. I want to show others your love and mercy in the midst of their most vulnerable, terrifying moments. Lord, give me your strength and your grace to pour out to my friends. Let my actions and words reflect your love and mercy in each moment I spend with them.
God, we see how uncomfortable long-term grief is in our culture, and we know that each of us is guilty of judging someone else in this process. Even others who've lost a child can fall into that trap. We beseech you Jesus: remind us that you draw near to the broken hearted, not away. You do not put a timestamp on grief. Help us to be near our friends in these moments we don't fully understand, and to help them look forward to a day when their hurt will be healed in your presence.
Lord, we come before you as friends and family searching for healing, comfort, and strength for ones who have lost a child. Our hearts are broken for them, and we long to see them restored. Help us to remember that we can stand strong when they are weak, encourage them when they are down, and remind them that this is not the end. We will see our loved ones again; we will hold our babies close to us. Let these powerful words in Romans flow from us like living water, so that our friends who grieve might look up and be reminded of the love of Jesus through us. Amen.
Father, we live in a society unaccustomed to having things taken away. When it's our children who are taken too soon, the shock and sadness can seem unending. Give us strength in these times to know that you love our children more than we do, for they are yours first. Our hallelujah may be broken, but it is honest and real. We may barely lift our eyes to you but our hearts stand firm in knowing you work all things together for good for those who love you.
Lord, help us to trust you with the feelings that overwhelm us in moments so dark we can't see a way out. Let us remember that you know our hearts already. We can confess all our feelings to you and know you will still be holding us tightly. Make us strong in the face of what seems to be defeat. Help us to call out to you for our needs.