Death and Grief (1-70) 

While Dying (1-17)

Loved One Dying (18-20)

Death of a Loved One (21-43)

Death of a Daughter or Son (44-51)

Death of a Grandchild (52)

Donation of a Loved One’s Organs (53-55)

Reception of a Loved One’s Ashes (56)

During Prolonged Grieving (57-64)

Anniversary of Loved One’s Death (66-66)

Special Days Remembered (67-69)

Death of a Pet (70)

While Dying (1- 16)

But now thus says the LORD. . .do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the 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. Isaiah 43:1-3a

O Great Savior,

            In this time of rushing waters and raging fires for _____, we ask your saving grace to be in great evidence for this child whom you have called by name and claimed as your own.  Overwhelm her with the peace of Christ and enfold her with your Spirit’s warmth, that even her weakness and fading awareness may manifest your strength and power to redeem all things for your goodness’ sake.  In Jesus we pray. (1)

Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?

. . .even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day,

for darkness is as light to you.  Psalm 139:1, 12

Eternal Light,

            You hem us in behind and before with your steadfast love and mercies especially in our lying down upon the earthly bed from which we cannot not rise.  Such love is too wonderful; it is so wide and deep that we can never come to its end in this life or the next.

            We pray for our friend,_____ in her lying down and ask you to light her way in this darkness of the shadow of death. Bless her and her loving family with the breath of heaven that they may know that you are near and find the peace of Christ in your light.  In Christ we pray. (2)

O Endless Love,

            We bless and thank you for all the ways you have spoken to _____ and _____ in love and faithfulness throughout their years together, but especially through this time as they face the final phase of their earthly journey together.  May your tender mercies continue to pour out upon them, as _____ prepares to cross the great divide of death, and _____ prepares to say goodbye to him/her.

            Grant to each of them according to their need and instill within them the deep pools of Christ’s peace.  May your Spirit light their way, and your compassion give them cause to praise your name forever.  In Christ we pray. (3)

God of the Journey,

            In you we find our beginnings and our endings, as you shape our days with tender compassion.  You are ever faithful to your children, and we can trust that your goodwill is being worked out through all of the circumstances of life on earth, even the ravages of death.

            We ask your comforting Spirit upon our sister, _____, now and in the coming time as she faces her mortal end.  Be her consolation, her guide and her companion to the other side of this life.  And shower light and peace upon her throughout the journey.  In the Compassionate Way of Jesus we pray. (4)

How great Thou art, O Loving Source, how great Thou art! 

In Thy steadfast love and mercy, we live and move and have our being.  And by Thy design, our days are woven into a tapestry of immeasurable scope and beauty that, in Thy hands, binds us together with all creatures great and small.  Bless now your dear daughter, _____ as she turns her eyes upon Jesus in hope and expectation of the joy and love that awaits her on the other side of this earthly life.  And grant her the peace that passes all understanding, through Jesus Christ, her Savior, Light, and Guide. (5)

Our Maker and Savior,

From dust we arise by your Spirit’s breath and to dust we are laid to rest in your eternal love.  And in between, you enable us to live as those prepared to die and to die as those who go forth to live beyond the boundaries of our human bodies. May it be that we open ourselves up to this miracle in awe and wonder of your great and glorious Creation and the great honor and privilege of being a part of it each day! (6)

Sheltering God,

            We thank you for the promise of your abiding grace upon us in this life and the life to come.  It is the foundation of our hope and trust.  Bless our dear sister, _____, with all she may need as you lead her toward her final rest.  Comfort her in her distress, be strength for her in her weakness, and as she draws ever nearer, cause her heart to soar on the wings of your love.  In Christ we pray. (7)

O Great Love,

            How blessed we are to know that as our days draw to a close and the sting of death is ours to endure, you wrap us ever tighter in salvation’s garments of grace.  Enfold our dear _____ and her family as she prepares to make her way to her eternal home with you.  Bless her passage through the journey ahead all who now say goodbye to her with the hope of resurrection and glad reunion in your good time.  In Christ we pray. (8)

God of the Journey,

We know that in you we have our beginnings and our endings and so we thank you for your gracious Design that gives us a time to live and a time to die.  Let it be for _____ according to your good and compassionate will.  May your Spirit carry her as she makes her way toward the place you have prepared for her.  Bless her and her loving family with all they may need as you welcome her to her final home. In Christ we pray. (9)

Great Weaver of Life,

            Throughout our days you mend our broken ways.  Then you graciously loosen the knot of our mortality to free us to enter through the doors of eternal life with you.  As you now loosen the knot for our dear _____, we seek your blessing.  Open the door at her knock that she may enter with her Lord Jesus in triumph and joy.  And grant her the peace that passes all understanding now and forever.  In Christ we pray. (10)

O Thou our Maker,

            Dependent on you for all things, we are blessed by your abiding presence.  Called to remember that we are your little children, we trust in your power to redeem and sustain us throughout our life on earth and beyond.  May your power now be made complete in _____’s weakness and approaching death.  As she comes to you as a little child, let the glory of Heaven shine upon her in joyful welcome.  In Christ's peace we pray. (11)

O Boundless One,

You wrap your grace in blessings large and small throughout our days.  Especially at our earthly end, grace is wrapped in the gift of death that delivers us into your waiting arms. We pray you will be with our dear sister _____, as she now turns toward Home.  Move her beyond the confines of her body so her spirit may soar with trust and hope until she sees you face to face and she shall want no more.  In Christ we pray. (12)

                        

O Great Refuge,

            We would be still and thank you for your grace amid the storms of life and death.  We lift before you _____, now caught in the storm between life and death and waiting for release.  Settle the peace of Christ upon her and on all who wait at her side in love.  Support the loved ones she leaves behind, and let the light of Christ shine upon them all in the sorrow and grief of their parting.  In Christ we pray. (13)

              Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.  Psalm 119:105

Poet of All Life,

            Your word does not just say something to us, but causes life abundant to grow within us.  Even at the very end of our earthly journey, it flourishes within and lights our way toward your waiting arms.  Speak your word now to _____, whom you have called by name and claimed as your own, that even her weakness and fading awareness may manifest your glory and proclaim your gracious Rule, on earth as it is in heaven.  In Christ we pray. (14)

O Endless Love,

            We bless and thank you for all the ways you have spoken to _____ and _____ in love and faithfulness throughout their years together.  May your tender mercies continue to pour out upon them, as _____ prepares to cross the great divide of death, and _____ prepares to say goodbye to him/her.  Grant consolation and comfort to  each of them according to their need and your deep compassion.  May your Spirit light their way and grant them peace.  In Christ we pray. (15)

God of the Journey,

            As you map out our days with tender compassion, you call us to trust that your goodwill is being worked out through all of the circumstances of life and death.  We ask your Spirit to abide with our sister, _____, in this time as she follows your leading through death to the joyful reunion with the Church Triumphant.  Bless her now and shower her with your peace throughout the journey.  In Love we pray. (16)

Loved One Dying (17-19)

Eternal Love,

            Your grace is the banquet that feeds us with the Bread of Life and slakes us with the Cup of Salvation, especially in the face of death. We pray you will give strength to _____ in her weariness and sorrow as her beloved ______ is her journey among the living. As their days together grow short, let your glory shine to penetrate the clouds of unknowing with the light and peace of Christ, so that when the end comes, they may clearly see your welcoming face at the gate of all Eternity. In the outstretched arms of Jesus we pray.  (17)

O Compassionate God,

            As her treasured companion in life hovers between life and death, we ask your Spirit to bless your beloved child, _____. Give her your vision through the darkness as _____ makes his way through death into the abundant life to come. Bless her with the assurance of your presence at this time of letting go.  Bestow your gifts of courage and wisdom as you guide her by the light of love, and grant her an overflowing measure of your peace, now and in the coming days.  In Christ we pray. (18)

Gracious God,

            We seek your Spirit’s touch upon each person in the _____ family as they accompany their beloved _____ to the doors of death.  Send your angels to tend to her and to receive her in joy when pain and death have passed. Give this family times of sacred laughter and shared memory as they await her end and touch each of them with a strong sense of your enfolding presence.  Speak to them of your faithful love and let them abide in the peace that passes understanding.  In Christ we pray. (19)

Death of a Loved One (20-42)

God of All Mercy,

You wrap your grace around us like a mother's shawl and you tend to our hearts wounded by sorrow and grief. We pray now for _____as she walks through the valley of the shadow of _____'s death.  Bless her and those who mourn with her, and give them all they may need for the days ahead.  Grant them the healing power of the Spirit and the deep peace of Christ until they want no more.  In Christ we pray. (20)

Cherishing Heart,

We are so grateful that we abide within matrix of your grace where we find the strength and sustaining consolation when our hearts are broken with loss.  And we thank you for the family, friends, and strangers that surround us with their prayers and acts of kindness when we are helpless in our grief.  We pray now for _____ and _____ and for all who now mourn the death of their beloved (relationship), _____.  Bless them with all they may need on the journey ahead.  Lead them onward on their journey of acceptance and healing, and let the grace that sustains the world, sustain their hearts and spirits each day.  In the peace of Christ we pray.  (21)

God of All Seasons,

You create a season for everything and a time for every matter under heaven.  Therefore in humility and awe we bow before your Rule throughout the generations that makes straight the paths of all and leads us into our eternal Home.  We pray your ruling grace may be made evident to _____ and _____ at this season of loss at the death of their dear _____.  Send your everlasting Spirit to bless them with all they may need as they follow in the footsteps of Jesus through sorrow into healing day by day.  In Him we pray.  (22)

O God of All Consolation,

            Rocked in the cradle of Thy love all our days, we pray as those sure of Thy listening ear and seeking Thy comforting presence.  We give Thee our thanks for the life of your beloved child, ____, for we were blessed by her friendship and love.  We cry to Thee on behalf of _____, as she now grieves the loss of her dear one.  Run to her, succor her, and so tend to her wounded heart, she may find deep comfort, strength, and peace as she lives through this time of wrenching loss.  In Christ we pray. (23)

God of the Grieving Heart,

            You have told is that it is your good will to be with us and for us in every circumstance of our lives. And so, in trust and hope, we ask your deep blessings to pour out upon _____ in this time of sorrow at the loss of her loved one.  In your mercy, comfort and strengthen her and all who mourn _____’s passing.  Bless them with all they may need each day, and let the light Christ shine to lead them to the peace that passes all understanding.  In Jesus we pray. (24)

Hope of our Hearts,

When we are laden by sorrow too heavy to bear, when we are burdened and wounded, you speak peace to our hearts so we are made able to carry the load and find a wider trust and a deeper hope than we ever knew before.  Speak now your enabling words to _____ as she carries her burden of grief and sorrow.  Comfort and strengthen her each day.  And lead her to the peace that awaits her through your grace.  In Christ we pray. (25)

God of All Compassion,

            We are so grateful that we do not face the loss of our loved ones alone. We thank you for the strength and consolation of the companionship of your Spirit through the family and friends that surround us with your love and grace. We pray for _____ and for all now mourn _____‘s passing.  Give her all she may need according to your good will and mercy, and let your light and peace shine upon her sorrowing heart now and in the time to come.  In Christ we pray. (26)

Gracious Giver of All that Is,

We believe you are with us in every circumstance of our lives, especially in times of loss and grief.  So we pray that your abiding grace will overflow upon our dear friend _____, at this time of darkness and sorrow.  Heal and bless her according to your good will and mercy. Meet her needs each day, and let your consoling Spirit bring a river of peace flowing over her. In Christ we pray. (27)

Almighty Father,

            Your grace is the banquet that nourishes our thirsty souls.  You give us strength when we are weary and light our way when we are overwhelmed with darkness.  At this time of great loss and deep grief at _____’s death, we ask your hovering Spirit to bless and keep _____ and her family.  Help her find the strength and light she needs each day.  Console her, encourage her, and gently guide her steps.  And give her good comfort now and always.  In Jesus we pray. (28)

Precious Lord,

            You gave the world a wonderful gift in the sterling life of _____.  With her loving smile and gracious ways, she greatly blessed her wide circle of family and friends.   We give you thanks for the witness of her life and that she has now passed through pain and death and entered the Church Triumphant.  Bless _____ now, we pray, and all those learning to live without their dear one’s mortal presence.  And touch their hearts with your Spirit’s power to meet all of their needs.  In Christ's compassion we pray. (29)

O God of Charity,

            Your loving heart responds to our sorrows with the sympathizing tears of Jesus.  You never abandon us and you never close your ears to our cries in the night. Hear our prayers now for _____ and _____ and their family in this time of wrenching loss and pain.  Be with them as they bear the burden of the death of _____.  Bless them in their dark despair and pour out the comfort, light, and peace of Jesus upon them.  In Christ we pray. (30)

God of Mercy,

            Your Spirit is our compass in life, giving direction and guidance when we have lost our way in the darkness of despair. We ask your guiding hand to be upon _____ and _____as they seek to find their way through the death of dear _____.  Bless and keep them according to your good will and compassion.  Give strength and courage for the living of each day, and fill their empty hearts with the solace of the grace and peace of Jesus.  In Christ we pray. (31)

Rock of Ages,

You alone know the sorrow and grief of _____’s heart as she wades from the deep waters of _____’s illness into the raging waters of her/his death.  We pray you will strengthen her and lead her to solid ground in these next days and weeks and months.  Grant her and her family consolation, comfort, and courage as they make their way through the darkness of loss by the light and peace of Jesus Christ.  In Him we pray. (32)

Jeremiah 8:21-22a  For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn and dismay has taken hold of me.  Is there no balm in Gilead?  Is there no physician there?

Eternal Love,

How blessed we are by your saving grace that embeds your DNA within and around all that is—giving life meaning and dignity to the ends of the earth and beyond and allowing nothing in all creation to be without purpose.

Today we lift up your beloved child ____ who is craving relief from her misery.  Focus her eyes on the grace that wraps her in your eternal compassion.  Breathe your divine perfection upon her pain and despair.  Lift her up above her suffering that she may find some sort of meaning in this all, a sense of direction in her lost-ness, and a return of joy in your Presence within and beyond the eviscerating sorrow of today.  In the light and peace of Christ I pray. (33)

God of Tender Mercies,

            We bless you at all times and in all places, for we have tasted and seen that you are good in every way through all of the circumstances of our lives.  And so we take refuge in you with hope and confidence as we ask you to wrap your comforting mantle around _____ and her loved ones who now grieve _____’s death.  Bless her as she takes refuge in you and console her with the light and peace of Jesus.  In Christ we pray. (34)

God of All Grace,

            Your tender mercies toward your children are never needed more than when we experience the loss of a loved one.  We thank you for your hovering Spirit in our time of deep need, giving us what we lack and filling us with the solace of your amazing grace. We pray you will continue to hover over ____ and all who mourn the death of _____.  Console them as you guide them through their grief, and let your face shine upon them as you lead them to the still waters of peace.  In Christ we pray. (35)

Our Maker and Friend,

            Even when we are struck mute by loss and pain, our hearts sing our thanksgiving and praise to you, for you are our Living Hope.  We thank you for the life you gave to ____, and for all in her that was good and loving.  We are grateful that her pain and death are past and that she has entered the fullness of eternal life with you. Comfort _____ and all now who mourn her passing.  And grant them the healing peace of Christ, in Jesus we pray. (36)

Loving God,

            In your mercy, you have called _____ into the joy of her eternal home.  We thank you for her life, her deeds of kindness, her humor, and her love.  We celebrate her release from Alzheimer’s and that final healing that is now hers.  Bless _____, who learned to adjust to her mental and emotional absence, and must now learn to adjust to the loss of her physical presence.  Send your Spirit to strengthen her and lead her in the path of Jesus each day.  In Christ we pray.  (37)

Beginning and Ending of Life,

            We celebrate the life of _____’s dear friend/relative and thank you that she now abides with you in repose and peace.  We are grateful for all in _____that expressed your hospitality of heart and for all the many ways that bound her to a large, extended family of love.  Grant consolation to all who now mourn her passing and give them confidence to believe where they cannot see.  In Christ's love we pray. (38)

O Thou our Maker,

            Thy loving embrace is our consolation and hope throughout our days, but especially through the long, dark night of grief as we crave Thy tender mercies and gentle care.  Wrap Thy tender mercies like bunting around _____ and _____ and their family as they reel from the loss of their dear _____.  Let the light of Christ shine upon them in their sorrow and grant them Thy peace.  In Christ we pray. (39)

Gracious God of All,

We celebrate the life of your dear daughter _____ and thank you for her great love of family, her abiding faith in your goodness, and for all her special abilities and gifts that helped her share grace and beauty her whole life long.  We are grateful that for her pain, disease, and death is past and that she has entered into her eternal home with you.  Give solace to her family members, friends, and community who now mourn her passing.  In the darkness of their sorrow let the light, peace, and joy of Jesus shine forth to light their way.  In the Risen Christ we pray.  (40)

Yet it was you who took me from the womb; you kept me safe at my mother’s breast.  On you I was cast from my birth, and since my mother bore me you have been my God.

 Psalm 22:9-10

Bountiful God,

            We give you thanks and praise for the life of _____’s mother, begun and ended within your steadfast love and astounding, saving grace.  We are grateful for their close and loving relationship that started in the womb, and continues even after death separates them.  We are grateful for the faith and hope passed down from one generation to the next and the saving ways your bountiful grace has been with them through the years.  Be with _____ and her family as they now walk through this sorrowing time of grief and loss.  Bless them each day as you lead them in the peace that passes all understanding, through Jesus Christ. (41)

Precious Lord,

            You gave the world an amazing gift in the sterling life of your dear child, _____.  With her loving smile and gentle, gracious ways, she greatly blessed her wide circle of family, friends, (colleagues, students, church family, et.).  We thank your that for her pain and disease has now ended and she has passed into the Church Triumphant.  Bless _____ and all those who mourn her loss.  Console their grieving hearts and lighten the burden of sorrow on the journey ahead, that they may all what they need in the peace of Christ that surpasses our understanding to dwell in our hearts and souls.  In Christ we pray. (42)

Death of a Daughter or Son (43-50)

I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping

and drench my couch with tears.  My eyes grow weak with sorrow.          Psalm 6:6-7a

To the One Who Hears Every Groaning Cry,

We have no words to convey our grief in the passing of Thy dear child, _____, too briefly clothed in mortality.  May our tears and our groans be acceptable in Thy sight, as we trust will be made clear when we see Thee face-to-face. Let the touch of Thy Spirit’s Breath stir upon _____ and _____ as they struggle to cope with the loss of their beloved daughter/son.  May Thy grace be sufficient for all their needs, and Thy peace flow into the chasms of their pain.  In Thy Beloved Son we pray. (43)

O Source and Home of All,

The cries that fly to Thy listening heart from our sorrow, grief and pain are but Thy Spirit pushing us ever tighter into Thy loving embrace.  Our cries, our howlings—born from our frailty and pain—are but the tethers of Thy grace, that through them we may turn to Thee to find courage, healing, and hope.  And so, in the midst of the darkness, we would add our highest praise and deepest gratitude to our pleas for Thy mercy.

Have mercy, O God, have mercy upon all who suffer this day with afflictions of body, mind, and spirit, especially for Thy beloved child, _____.  Meet her needs each day, according to Thy good will and bountiful mercy.  Tighten the tethers of grace as Thy Spirit encourages, heals, and brings new life to her where there seems to be no life now. And let the light of Christ shine upon the Way Thou wouldst have her go. In Thy precious name we pray. (44)

By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.  Ps 42:8 

O Song of Grace,

The melody of your everlasting love fills the cracks on the jagged road of life and we come to trust your Goodness.  The rhythm of your unending mercy opens our mouths with praise, no matter our circumstances or conditions. And the beat of your hope for tomorrow brings us to our knees in gratitude.

We pray this day for _____ and _____and their family as they seek your guidance, wisdom, and comfort in the great avalanche of the loss of their dear daughter, _____.  Hold their hand, Precious Lord. Bless them with all they may need to make their way through this, trusting that your grace is sufficient for their needs each day, and finding solace and comfort now and in the coming time.  In Christ’s blessed name we pray. (45)

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall hide me, and the light become night around me,”

even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.                                                                                   Psalm 139:11-12

God of All Compassion,

            We thank you that you gave the world such a magnificent gift in the life of ____.  We are grateful for all in her that made your love visible through her winning ways and loving heart.  Especially we thank you for the blessing that she was to her parents, her husband, and her beautiful children. We ask your hovering Spirit to rest upon the _____ family now as they daily face her loss.  Meet their needs with the solace of your grace, and let them know the touch of your healing consolation.  In Christ we pray. (46)

 Aaron remained silent. Leviticus 10:3

Sovereign of the Universe,

            In a time and place beyond this, we hope for the gift of knowledge to understand why hideous evil and torturous sorrow are part of human life.  But for now, we have no words except your Word of Love and Hope. Send your healing Word of Love upon _____ and _____ as they grapple with the death of their beloved child, _____.  Be their comfort in sorrow, their strength in weakness, their consolation in pain, and their guide through the grief.  Share the heavy burdens of their hearts, and send your Spirit to be their daily companion in the darkness of their days.  In the light of Christ we pray. (47)

Our Father and Our Mother God,

            As our Eternal Parent, you called _____ into life with love and tenderness, and now have called her Home.  We thank you for her joy and zest in living, and for all she did in faithful, loving service for your great Cause of Grace.  Pour out your blessings upon those she leaves behind, especially her parents, _____ and _____.  Give them the comfort and guidance of your Holy Spirit and the deep peace of Christ.  In the hope your Goodness we pray. (48)

O God Who Will Not Let Us Go,

            You are the Source of all compassion, and in you alone can we find consolation.  We ask your heavenly comfort for your child, _____, as she struggles to cope with the loss of her beloved son, _____.  Let her abide in your Spirit’s presence and find courage from the strength of your everlasting arms.  And be her guide in the darkness as she makes her way on the pathway of your healing grace and peace. In Christ we pray. (49)

Fountain of Compassion,

You are well acquainted with the grief and suffering of all your beloved children.   We bless you today for the life of your beloved daughter, _____, whose life has been so quickly cut down through this tragedy.  We are grateful and for her vibrant and energetic personality, her keen mind and quick wit, and her loving spirit that drew others to her and for the countless ways that her life made a difference to the world that can never be measured but only celebrated.

We pray for _____ and_____ and their family as they reel from her loss. With tender mercies and infinite love, we know you are tending to their lives torn with grief and shock. Let the healing balm of your Presence meet all of their needs now and in the time to come as they make their way through this deep darkness. In the light and hope of Christ we pray. (50)

Donation of a Loved One’s Organs (51-53)

By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.  Psalm 42:8

Everlasting Love,

            Your carapace of grace gently embraces our shattered lives, shielding and guarding us in the darkness of grief.  Bless your dear child _____ as she seeks your hand upon her through this tragedy and death.  We are so grateful for the promise of new life the recipient of ______’ ______ (organ) now has at its implantation. May the song of life of her beloved child/husband ring in harmony with the one who will be singing a prayer of thanks and hope to you now and in the years to come.  In the abundant goodness of Christ we pray. (51)

Hovering Spirit,

            With shock and grief, ___ and ___ have suffered the loss of their dear _____'s life.  But with great love reflecting your own, they have given permission for her organs to be used for others' sake.  May each transplant be a source of gospel grace for the recipients.  And let the hands of all who transport, care for, and implant these precious gifts of life be as the hands of Christ bringing light and hope.  In Christ we pray. (52)

           

Our Maker and Savior,

From dust we arise by your Spirit’s breath and to dust and ashes we are laid to rest in your eternal love. How we thank you for the life and witness of your dear child, _____, and ask your deep blessing upon _____ as she receives her ashes.  Offer her and their loved ones comfort for in sorrow, consolation in grief, and joy in the memories of their life together.  Bless all who mourn the loss of their loved ones, whether by death, or by circumstances that create a “living death.”  Do not be silent at their tears, we pray, but speak to their hearts and minds as you bless us all in the light, the grace, and the peace of Christ, in whom we pray. (53)

Reception of Loved Ones Ashes (54)

How we thank you for the life and witness of ____, whose love for you and faith in your good will was reflected in her love for her dear family and in her ministry of kindness and mercy throughout her days. 

Be now with ____ as she receives the urn of her ashes and takes them to the final resting place.  Comfort her sorrow, console her grieving heart, and let the joy in the memories of their life together shine through.  Bless all who mourn the loss of their loved ones, whether by death, or by circumstances that bring a “living death.”  Bless all who suffer, all who wander in the wilderness of chaos and misery.  Do not be silent at their tears, we pray in the light, the grace, and the peace of Christ. (54)

During Prolonged Grieving (56-63)

God of the Disconsolate,

You give us life and are with us every step of the way of our journey.  We are truly like little children, totally dependent on your good will and kindness and your ever-watchful eye.  How we thank you for your amazing grace that will not let us go nor ever abandon us! 

We pray now for your daughter, _____, who is calling to you from the depths of her depression, facing the challenges of a move to another home and the difficulty of selling the family home.  She is affected by these circumstances and is seeking your healing touch.  Anoint her with Spirit-flame and give her the perseverance, courage, patience, and wisdom that she needs, according to your good will and mercy as you lead her forward on her journey of faith and hope.  In Christ we pray. (56)

Taproot of Grace,

When life is rushing over us and we are too weak to keep going, you carry us through the deep waters and set us safely on the other side.  When weariness and sorrow are as familiar as our own faces, you shine you face upon our inner recesses and lift up our heads.  We pray for your dear, dear daughter, _____, now oh so weary in the deep, dark waters of sorrow and grief.  Let your light shine upon her this day that she may find what she needs to keep on keeping on.  Bless her and hold her close, gird her loins, strengthen her legs, and lift her head that she may keep her eyes on the light of Christ this day.  In trust and hope we pray. (57)

O God of All Life,

            In our time of need, you embrace us tenderly in your loving arms.  In our time of weakness, you strengthen the legs of our resolve and keep us going.  We pray for our sister, _____, as she continues to learn to live without her life-mate, _____.  Comfort and strengthen her that she may keep on keeping on.  And let the light and peace of your Spirit continue to be her companion each day.  In Christ we pray. (58)

Compassionate God,

            We thank you for all of your marvelous gifts to us: the miracle of life itself, the nurturing love of family and friends, and the tensile strength of faith that helps us believe where we do not see.  Especially we thank you for the gracious companionship of your Spirit through times of loss and grief. Let your blessings continue upon your daughter, _____, in this time of ongoing grief.  Comfort, strengthen, and guide her steps and fill her with all she may need according to your mercy.  In Christ we pray. (59)

O Treasure of Our Hearts,

            In you we find the precious gift of rest for our souls.  And so, we turn to you asking your Spirit to rest upon _____ as she continues to learn to live without the bodily presence of her dear _____.  May she find rest for her grieving soul and light in her sorrowing darkness.  Give her courage in the face of each day and strengthen her for every tomorrow.   And grant her your peace.  In Christ we pray. (60)

O Heart of Heaven,

            With love and tenderness you called your daughter, _____, into life, and with the same love and tenderness you called her to her final home.  We thank you for the love she shared and that her many deeds of kindness live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched. Let your grace now shine upon _____ and _____ as they continue to adjust to life without her.  And lead them into the brightness of your healing light and peace that soothes the battered soul. In Christ we pray. (61)

Eternal Guide,

            Your compassionate care provides for us each day and secures our future within your steadfast love.  May your healing compassion continue to enfold _____ as she walks through the grief of loss of her beloved _____.  Bless her with a full measure of your Spirit’s healing balm. Bring her the comfort, the strength, and the energy she seeks. And give her good hope in Jesus who is her Savior, her Friend, and her Peace.  In Christ we pray. (62)

God of All Hope,

            In the midst of all the circumstances of our lives, we believe that you are with us to restore and to bless.  We ask your restorative blessings upon _____ as she daily struggles to learn to live without her beloved _____.  Be comfort in her distress and a steady rock in the sinking sands of her grief. May she walk in in paths of trust, finding courage, peace, and joy along the way.  In Christ's name we pray. (63)

Anniversary of Loved One’s Death (64-65)

Breath of Life,

Thou hast made all that is beyond time and space, but our life is marked by the framework of days, weeks, months and years, as Thou art creating and re-creating still, sweeping upon the stormy seas and steering our course in the midst of chaos, fear, and unknowing. How we praise Thy blessed NAME for all that is known and unknown, seen and unseen by the eyes of covenant faith as we kneel to bless Thee saying "Thy will be done."

We pray that Thy will be done when we find ourselves shaking and exhausted in times dire and drear.  We trust Thy completing and perfecting reign over this life, and ask only that Thy merciful gifts may grip us and grant us Thy abundant goodness.  We pray this day for _____, and for all of _____'s loved ones who now mark the one-year date of her passing.  May it be with them according to Thy grace and mercy within Thy completed and perfected good will in Jesus Christ, who is Thy eternal "Yes!" in this world and the next, and in whose grace, light, and peace we pray. (64)

O Source and Ending of All our Days,

We know that your grace abides with in the darkness and in the light; for darkness and light are one and the same to you. Our gratitude abounds as we come to know that you are the source of all comfort and consolation in the deepest of our sorrows, especially as we slog through the process of grieving the death of a loved one. 

We pray today for your beloved daughter, _____, who is marking the second anniversary of her own beloved _____'s death.  We ask your grace to flow upon her and _____, to lighten their heavy hearts and steady their steps for their journey ahead. Bless them with all they may need today and each time the darkness descends, until your light fills them with the peace beyond understanding and the hope that even at the gravestones of our beloved ones, our sorrows become kneaded into the Bread of Heaven, and our tears mingle in the Cup of Salvation.

In light and peace of Christ we pray. (65)

Special Days Remembered (66-68)

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

O Rest for our Weary Souls,

            We ask you special blessings today as _____ marks the anniversary of _____’s birthday.  Thank you for the light you have shone in her through her journey of grief.  Continue to renew her strength and provide for every need, according to your good will and mercy.  And grant her the ineffable peace of Jesus each day.  In Christ we pray. (66)

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. . .from everlasting to everlasting you are God.  Psalm 90:1, 2c

Eternal Mercy,

            You are the source of all comfort and consolation, and so we ask your special blessings upon _____ at this first (Christmas, wedding anniversary, birthday, etc.) without the dear presence of her beloved (husband/daughter, etc.).  Pour out your strength and peace upon her and upon all who still deeply mourn _____’s passing.  Grant them an abundant measure of your peace and lead them anew into the joy of your salvation.  In Christ we pray. (67)

Fountain of Grace,

We thank and praise you for the tethers of love that bind us beyond time and space.  We are grateful for the ways in which you those bonds of love change after death, but never lose their power to bless.  We ask your blessing upon _____ as she celebrates the bonds she and _____ shared as she lifts the cup of remembrance of  their shared (passion for travel, desire for a pet) through (going on this journey they had planned/buying the puppy they wanted to get).  Fill her cup with joy as she remembers their life and love together.  In the life and love of Christ we pray. (68)

At the Death of a Pet (69-70)

Creator of All Life,

            We bless you that our pets share their joy in the gift of life with us in so many delightful ways.  We thank you for the _____ family’s wonderful friend, ­­­_____, that brought such happiness and love into their home.  As they grieve the loss of their (dog/cat/bird), we ask you to give them fond memories of times past and help them to find your consolation in their grief.  In Christ we pray. (69)

Gracious God,

            Little _____ was a blessing in the life of the _____ family, shining forth the light of your love and joy in all creatures.  Speak your words of comfort to each of them as they mourn the loss of their beloved pet.  Help each of the children as they deal with their feelings of grief and bless them all with the consolation of fond memories and happy stories of the times they shared with their beloved pet.  In Jesus’ name we pray. (70)