Loving and Gracious God,
I believe I can be honest with you.
So in these moments I admit that I am in great pain
and at times angry in my grief.
For nothing really eases the loss I feel so acutely.
I am heartbroken and my spirit is crushed too.
The encouraging words of friends seem shallow, empty,
and sometimes inappropriate.
Their sympathy is kind and well-meaning,
but THEY are not ME,
they cannot know what I am experiencing,
and sometimes their promises just seem too tidy, or just wrong.
Help me not to put my trust in other people,
but to lean on Jesus’ breast,
who knew what it was to grieve and weep,
yet turned pain and hopelessness into resurrection and hope.
Help me to know you are with me in my barren wilderness,
and grant me today an experience of Your grace being sufficient for me;
your power known tangibly even in my weakness.
So when I find your promises hard to believe,
wipe away my tears, I pray,
and bless me with me patience, strength, and an assurance that all is not lost.
By your Spirit, may I hear Jesus’ claims to be the Resurrection and the Life,
and may that truth rise within my heart and lead to faith again.
May your light shine within the dark places of my soul;
your healing minister to me gently,
as I entrust (name/my loved one) to your love, care,
and new life beyond the grave.
May tomorrow be brighter,
hope stronger,
and eternal promises turn grief into joy again. Amen.