A Prayer for Helping Someone with a Broken Heart
By Cally Logan
Bible Reading
“Mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15b
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Would you consider yourself to be a 2 AM friend? The one that if someone is going through a crisis or emergency, that they know they could call you in the wee hours of the morning, and you would be there by their side? Not only is it a treasured and unique position to be that for someone else, but it is also a responsibility and a trust from the Lord in many ways. When you are the person who can physically or virtually be present in a moment of agony, you have an opportunity to steward and bring His Light into some of the darkest moments of another person’s story.
In the moments before the incredible miracle of Lazarus's resurrection, we see a distinct and captivating teaching from Jesus on how to comfort someone in pain. Jesus already knew what would be, that indeed Lazarus had more to do on earth, but He navigates the circumstances with confidence, kindness, and consideration for all, not just Lazarus. In John 11:33, we are told, “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved[c] in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.” (ESV)
Jesus responds directly with both security for Mary and tenderness. From the glimpses we have been given through other interactions between Jesus, Mary, and Martha, it offers us an understanding of the personality and heart of the two women. Mary needed comfort and understanding. Jesus offers Mary peace by validating her grief, weeping with her. At times, the person who is hurting does not merely need someone to listen, but someone to cry with. In the same heart posture of meeting someone in the language of their one-of-a-kind spirit, Jesus extends to Martha conviction, truth, and a firm footing. He reminds her of Who He is by saying, “Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[b] Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:23-26, ESV). We know from previous accounts that Martha is a no-nonsense, logical doer, whereas Mary is more emotional. Jesus’s response to Martha was a gift of assurance in her grief. We can learn so much from Jesus in how He approaches the same tragedy with two very different women.
As we come alongside those who are mourning, whiplashed, or forlorn by circumstances, we can take notes from Jesus in our approach. Offering tender care, presence of time and security, and responding in the language or way that the other person communicates can invoke real, pivotal, and meaningful hope. Remember that even if you are unsure of how to move, the Holy Spirit resides within you when you have made Jesus your personal Savior. What this means is the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Rely on Him and ask Him to use you as a vessel as you come alongside your own Mary or Martha.
Let's Pray
Father God,
What a holy and set-apart opportunity You have entrusted to us in loving someone who is beset with grief. Lord, we ask not only for Your peace to be poured upon the person who is aching, but we implore You to use us as Your mouthpiece in this delicate situation. Let us be used in this time for Your purpose and plan, and give us the wisdom of what to say, what to do, and how to show up for the person who is hurting. We thank You that You are ever present, ever loving, and ever mindful of each of us, just as You were for Mary and Martha that day outside Lazarus’s tomb.
May we glorify You in this process and place.
In Jesus’s Holy Name,
Amen
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Related Resource: Praying Through Life’s Battles
What battle are you carrying today?
Maybe it is an unanswered prayer, a painful loss, a strained relationship, a health concern, or a circumstance that feels far beyond your control. When life feels overwhelming, we can become so consumed by our emotions—or so busy trying to fix everything ourselves—that prayer is often one of the first things we neglect.
This week on The Love Offering Podcast, my friend Rachel Wojo joins me to talk about her new 90-day devotional, Praying Through Life’s Battles. Drawing from her experience of loving and losing her daughter, Taylor, Rachel shares how prayer has sustained her through unimaginable grief and reminded her that she never faces life’s battles alone.
If you like what you hear, be sure to follow The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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