A Prayer for the Grieving

I remember the first Christmas without my father. I was only eighteen, my brother only fifteen. We were no longer small children busting at the seams with dreams of Santa and tiny reindeer, but we were still children. Ones with a newly widowed mother.

I do not remember any of the gifts I got that year. I do not remember lights or tinsel or Christmas carols. But I do remember how gaping and obvious my father’s absence felt. I remember a feeling of fumbling through the holidays, an unsteadiness that made all of life seem off kilter. I remember packing up and going to stay with friends because we could not face Christmas morning at home.

This seems like such a sad note to finish up the year on, and yet, I know there are those for whom this is a reality. I know there are many who have lost loved ones during 2010. Many who are not ringing in the new year with joy, but with sadness. Those who do not know how they will face the next few steps, let alone a whole new year, without mother, without father, without child, without that special loved one.

Sweet friend, if that is you, may I say a prayer for you? As one who has fumbled through those painful firsts, may I pray?

Heavenly Father, I first want to thank You that You are so good. I want to thank You for Your tender and amazing love. I want to thank You that You never leave us or forsake us.

Lord, You created us for relationship. You designed us to connect, to fellowship, to love deeply and passionately. And so when we lose one we have loved deeply, we hurt deeply. Father, I lift up to You my precious friends who are hurting deeply. Lord, I pray they will feel such a keen sense of Your presence in the coming days. I pray they will know they are not forgotten and they are not alone. Uphold them, Father, with Your strength, Your peace, Your Word, Your love.

Lord, You know what each one grieving on this last day of 2010 needs. And though their hearts may ache at the thought of 2011, I know You have an abundance of provision awaiting them in the year ahead…an abundance of peace, of hope, of love, of all that they need and so much more. I know You will help them through each day, through each and every moment. And I ask You now, please love on Your precious ones as only You can. Amen.

I also want to encourage you to press into God’s Word during this new year. Let Him love on you through His tender promises. Let Him whisper hope over your deepest of hurts. Let Him strengthen you with His mighty truths.

“My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word.” Psalm 119:28 (NKJV)

And please know you will contine to stay in my prayers.

7 Responses to A Prayer for the Grieving
  1. Terri
    December 31, 2010 | 9:52 am

    Thank you Kimberly! This arrived in my inbox at a perfect time! I lost my brother this past August. And a good friend just lost her dad yesterday. I will be forwarding this to my sister and my good friend. Again, thank you. God Bless you and Happy New Year!!

    Terri

    • Kimberly
      December 31, 2010 | 4:35 pm

      I am so glad you left me a comment, Terri, so that I can be praying for all of you. I am so sorrry for your family’s loss and for your friend’s loss. Praying you feel His presence in such a tender and real way.

      Love and prayers,
      Kimberly

  2. Deb
    December 31, 2010 | 1:50 pm

    Beautiful encouragement Kimberly! Thanks for sharing this with all of us.

    • Kimberly
      December 31, 2010 | 4:36 pm

      Thank you, Deb. 🙂 Happy New Year to you and your family!

  3. Val Garner
    January 1, 2011 | 8:04 pm

    Thank you for this. This was a very painful holiday for me as well. My 28 year marriage just ended less than 2 months ago. You put great words to many of my emotions.

    • Kimberly
      January 1, 2011 | 10:46 pm

      Oh, Val. I am so sorry. And I am so glad you left a comment. The death of a loved one is definitely not the only loss that can lead to grief during the holiday season. You have faced a tremendous loss, and I will definitely be praying. May the unconditional love of the Lord that you cannot ever lose bring you comfort and hope now and in the days to come.
      Much love,
      K

  4. Carol Hatcher
    January 6, 2011 | 11:48 am

    Oh, Kimberly. This drew me right in. I’m sorry for your loss so many years ago, and I’m praying for those grieving with a recent loss as well. Beautifully written, my friend.