Barely a month later, as we got back into the routine of work and school, the kids were still having a hard time adjusting after losing their grandfather. And this was on top of the pandemic.
Not only was the fabric of our family torn, so was our way of life and the whole world as they knew it. As I watched my kids unravel in ways I never expected — including depression — I was at a loss on how to help them, especially as they bounced from moodiness to despair.
Death is a natural part of life. It is a certainty when nothing else is certain in life. Our kids will encounter it whether they are ready or not. It’s important when a death does occur that we, as parents, avoid euphemisms like passed away, passed on, went home, etc.
Simplicity is key, simply say, “Grandpa died.” Be available and approachable in your own grief, it’s important to normalize their feelings and that death is a part of life.
It’s also important to reassure your children that they are safe in God’s hands no matter what circumstances they face in life — the death of a grandparent, a family pet, and especially when a child their age dies.
The Power of Prayer: Helping Our Kids Cope with Grief
It can be hard to know what exactly to say or how to pray when your child is grieving the loss of a loved one. But God knows. He knows just what they need. God knows how the feeling of loss and sadness consume our souls and the mental stress that comes with it.
Especially for kids when they encounter death. Death is not real until they have to walk through it for the first time. As a parent, our job is to partner with God to guide them through these difficult times.
Never underestimate the power of prayer during this time. Leaning on the Lord is the best way to heal from grief. Prayers offer a way for parents to not only lift up their child but help lessen their sadness. God commands us to pray, and, therefore, He promises to listen when we do.
Psalm 18:6 reminds us, “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.”
God answers our prayers too. “I call on you, O God, for you will answer me” (Psalm 17:6). “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).
The power of prayer has nothing to do with fancy words because the power of prayer doesn’t flow from us — it comes from the Holy Spirit within us listening to us. Like the oxygen masks on an airplane, prayer becomes a direct lifeline to God.
5 Comforting Prayers to Pray over Your Grieving Child
Whether I am praying over my kids, over their daily lives, or something specific, I write my prayers out and base them on Scripture. It’s what Jesus did.
He used the Word as a source to initiate prayer because it glorifies God; it helps you focus on what is most important and reminds you that God is your source of help and refuge. Here are five prayers to help a grieving child.
1. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18). Father God, You are close to the brokenhearted. You rescue those whose spirits are crushed. My child is crushed in her grief. I pray that You will open her eyes to Your presence and Your comforting arms.
I ask that You shine Your eternal light onto her soul. Help her feel the joy of Your love. Guide her with Your wisdom and help me also to lean on Your strength so I may grow strong once more so we both can emerge from our loss with a renewed spirit of love and hope. Amen.
2. “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). Lord, I call out to You to drench Your presence over this household. I lift up my family and each of my children as we navigate the grief of losing, (Your loved one).
God, please see my children, hear my children and comfort them, Lord. Your Word says that You bless those who mourn for they will be comforted.
I pray for Your healing of our endless sadness and constant grief that consumes us all from living. Fill us with Your undying peace that we might find joy again.
3. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (Revelation 21:4). Lord, there is so much sadness in this world. We ache and groan inwardly to finally be with You.
Your Word reminds us that You will wipe every tear from our eyes and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All the things that hurt, injure, and hinder us will be gone forever.
We ask You to provide comfort, wisdom, and understanding of these things for my children. I lift my child’s broken heart up to You. Heal them from the pains of death and sorrow. Please help them to rise above their sorrow, oh God.
Infuse their spirit with Your loving kindness and comfort. Fill my child’s soul with Your everlasting love. Send Your angels to lift them up, oh God, Amen.
4. “You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness” (Psalm 18:28). When we are grappling in the dark, all we need to do is call on Your Name to be a lamp for my child’s feet. My child is in a dark place, and he isn’t sure how to get out of it.
But You do Lord. Help him to hold onto You, fill his heart with Your unbreakable joy. Help him release his sadness, confusion, and anger to You. Lead him into Your Love and light.
Replace the darkness with Your comfort and saturate him with Your wisdom and presence. Lord show me how to help my family cope with the loss. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
5. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7). Sometimes it’s hard to believe You care about each and every one of us. It’s hard to fathom You have the time and patience, but we know Your ways are not our ways.
Lord, every time worry starts to enter my child’s mind, I ask You to help her give it to You and remind her that You care so deeply about her.
Remind her that You know the exact numbers of hairs on her head. Remind her that You knit her within my womb and celebrated every moment. Lord, help her cast every thought to You!
For further reading:
How to Help Kids Deal with Death
40 Powerful Blessings to Pray over Your Children
9 Encouraging Reasons You Should Pray the Scriptures
Does the Bible Say How to Train Up Your Child?
Prayer for Children: Pray for and with Your Children
6 Truths about How to Model Faith for Your Children
5 Encouraging Verses for When You Experience Grief
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/chameleonseye
This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayers for Healing
Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
Night Prayers Before Bed
Prayers for Protection
The Lord's Prayer: Our Father
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