We pray that God will meet you in your grief and pain for your child, that God will draw you near. We have found our faith in Jesus to be the true source of comfort and peace in our grief, and we pray you find the same. (2 Corinthians 1:4) There are many emotions around our relationship with God in these times. We have put together Bible verses, reflections, and prayers that we pray God uses to comfort you.
All verses are quoted from the English Standard Version (ESV)
“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah”
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
“He gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields; he sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.”
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
“This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?”
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
A Word from a Woman Who Has Been There
I remember the struggle with God for years as I weathered the loss of my children. The angry, sobbing prayers asking why I'm emotionally hemorrhaging without a way to stop the "bleeding." I yearned for my children, I yearned to be a parent here on earth. I couldn't stop the pain. I'm so sorry if my words are similar to your own. Life is hard. I'd like to say eventually it was tied up with a neat little bow, but it doesn't work that way. I can tell you that in time I found the verse in 2 Corinthians 12:9 to bring comfort. "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" (2 Corinthians 12:9) It was at about this time in my journey that I finally gave up control and let Jesus truly lead me to the still waters, where He would restore my soul. (Psalm 23) This struggle is a challenging one, but I've found that God's grace is truly sufficient for me, and I pray that in time you can as well.
A Prayer for the Grieving
The following prayer is for you, the one grieving a child.
Heavenly Father, I lift this dear soul to you Lord, who is hurting, grieving a child. You are acquainted with grief, having given your own Son because there was no other way that we could be right before you. This world is so broken by sin; it leaves nothing unaffected. Your Son, lived a life of grief and suffering, and through his life and death, He brought true peace to those that accept it. That is a true gift, the gift of peace. Peace that we can be brought near to you Lord, through your Son. I pray you give this dear soul peace.
You say, "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) Here we are Lord, broken grieving people in need of your presence and your comfort. I pray that you would draw near to comfort us, and give us peace with You. You’ve used our children’s lives to bring this dear person and I together through this humble prayer. I pray that your work would be done to bring comfort and peace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
