Praying for those who are grieving during the holidays
Losing someone you love is incredibly hard. And now the holidays are upon you. That empty chair, with all its memories and sentiment, now seems to be the largest piece of furniture in your home.
Tasks, any tasks, especially holiday-related ones, are overwhelming. You try not to allow your sadness to dampen the spirits of everyone around you, especially those who share your grief, but many days you fail.
You appreciate the friends who want to be there for you, those who want to ease your pain – and don’t have a clue what to say. This includes me. What words can I offer to help you through this painful, “most wonderful time of the year”?
I know some of you personally. Others, I read about your pain in emails and on Facebook. I’m desperate to lighten your sadness, but I fear my feeble words will sound glib and only add to your sorrow .
So I’m praying for God to show me how to be there for you. And when that’s not possible, how I can pray for you. I’m asking God what to do and how to pray when you can’t stop crying, when you’re tempted to scream out of anger and exhaustion – and when you actually do.
Would it help if I were to also pray for you to experience God’s presence and provision as described in Psalm 23:1 (AMPC)?
The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
As I pray, I will trust that your compassionate, sympathetic and ever-present Shepherd will help you make it through each day. That you’ll experience God’s compassion and love as He provides for you and guides you. And I will believe that at the end of every long, long day, you’ll be able to sleep, sensing His protection over you.
God bless you, dear friend. Please let me (and everyone who loves you) know how we can be there for you – not just during this holiday season, but for as long as you need us.
What about you?
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Pray for my 2 wayward girls to come back to Jesus and to be healed of their addictions – one – prescription drugs, and food, and the other one overspending
Thank you!
I will pray, Judy!
Mom died just as Lent began on March 2nd…I know she’s with Jesus, but I so miss just the little things like sitting quietly together, swinging on the porch swing and singing together, driving around just cuz moving in the car gave her such pleasure…Mom had Alzheimer’s (just as Dad had) and I’d been there almost every weekend to spend time together. What can you do? Hold me as I cry, laugh as I share silly stories, sit quietly as I run out of the ability to speak…mostly, be patient with me and all others who grieve. We all grieve in different ways and for different lengths of time…thank you for your prayers and encouragement and love!
What a powerfully moving comment, Cas. Thank you very much for sharing with us. I am so sorry for your loss, but I’m awed at the depth you loved your mother. I wish I could be there with you. I pray there are those who can – and most of all, that you will continue to feel God’s presence. Please keep in touch.
Sheryl, I really love your compassionate heart. I too am sorry for those who are also experiencing loss in their life. May they experience God’s loving comfort.
Sheryl, you have touched me many times over the 11 months since my wonderful husband graduated to heaven. Knowing that someone is listening – actually reading and paying attention to the pain behind the FB posts, as well as what they actually say – has meant the world. I’m much better, yet still some things set me off. Especially during this season. Thank you for the assurance that you care. You are blessing many hurting people by being the wonderful person God made you to be.
You have been such a testimony of God’s grace, Paula – including when your pain is real. I love you, dear friend. Thank you for your kind words – and please keep in touch.