Everyone goes through grief of some kind, whether it’s from the death of a loved one, a pet, or even the loss of a friend or a job. Topmost on people’s minds regarding grief, however, is the emotional and physical impact on us when a loved one dies.
Death is an awful struggle because the Lord God didn’t create humans for death (Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23). Even those outside of Christ recognize death is not natural. Therefore, we have to look at death as something inherently foreign to us. Sin and subsequently death entered humanity at the Fall (Genesis 3), but the Bible shows us God’s redemptive plan to bring life and reconciliation back to us through Jesus Christ the Lord (see Luke 24).
Because it’s death about which we so strongly grieve, that is the grief we will address. The following are prayers to help calm your grief, and also prayers to help you pray for others who are grieving a loss. I pray they help you and your loved ones focus on Jesus, our Redeemer and Lover of our souls (e.g., Psalm 78:35; Isaiah 63:16; Romans 5:8; Matthew 11:28-30).
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Father, I am heartbroken and don’t know how to pray. But I know You are good and You love me. I know my groanings are heard by Your Spirit. I just don’t understand how I can still be here and my beloved is no longer with me. I don’t know if I can go on without them. You know, Lord. Please help me rest and give this helplessness to You. Right now, I just want to curl up into a ball and shut out the world. I know You understand, Lord. Your Word says You do. You’ve said to come to You, we who are weary and burdened and You will give us rest. I’m asking for that now, Lord. Please help me. I pray in Your precious name. Amen
Lord, I miss my loved one so much I hurt inside. I know they are with You in heaven. Thank You for that. But I have all of this love for them and I can’t give it to them anymore. I can’t think. I can’t do anything but cry. The Bible says You put my tears in a bottle. I don’t know why You do that, but it gives me great comfort knowing You care that much for me. I know I am to cast my cares upon You for You care for me. Oh, Lord. I need You desperately. Please help me feel Your presence so I can rest. I love you. I trust You to help me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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Oh, Father. My heart is torn apart. My loved one always rejected anything that had to do with You. I fear they are not with You because they refused Your kind offer for life in Jesus’ name. I know nothing can be done for them now. But I need peace to flood my soul. Please help me to know and experience that rest in you that you have promised. I know You are good. I know You are holy and Your Word tells me You don’t delight in the death of the wicked. You work in ways we cannot see or even imagine. You can speak to an unbeliever’s heart so they, even in their silence to us can say “yes” to Your kind invitation for salvation. Lord, thank You for Who You are and for helping me through this awful grief. I pray this in my Savior’s name. Amen
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My Lord and my God, my friend’s family and friends are in deep despair over the loss of their loved one. I love them and pray they find rest in You. I know some of them don’t believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord, so I pray You will use even this loss to draw them to Yourself through the Lord Jesus. None of us can have peace without Him, so please do what only You can through Your Holy Spirit. Bring life to them so they may rejoice in knowing You are sovereign and You loved us so much You sent Your only Son into the world to save us. I pray the Gospel is freely and boldly spoken throughout this time and beyond. It’s not only those who do not believe who need the Gospel. Christians need the Gospel, too, for by its proclamation, You sanctify us as You pour out Your grace upon us. May You be glorified through the grief they are all experiencing.
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Oh, Father. How do we accept this death—this death of a baby. I know nothing surprises You, and You have Your purpose even in this. Please help us grieve with hope. Help us remember how very good You are and help us remember what Your Word says, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified“ (Romans 8:28-30). When I think on this, Father, my focus turns from blame to acceptance. I turn from confusion to assurance. And I know our grief will, in time, turn from lament to praise. I pray this in the magnificent name of Christ. Amen.
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Father, my (mom or dad) is now gone from my life here. All my days have seen their guidance in my life—for decisions, for celebrations, for grieving losses, for countless things in my life. And now I hold in my heart and mind all they tried to impress upon me. I’m so very sad, and my tears are flowing because I loved them so much. What do I do with this love that was meant for them? Lord, please help me to heal because I know, without Your help, I’d never heal the way I’m supposed to. I thank You for them. I thank You I got to be their daughter (son). Please help our family get through this. I trust You and I love You. I pray for those in my family who don’t know You as Savior and Lord. Pease use this to draw them to You. I pray and ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Lord God, I thank You for the years you allowed me to care for one of Your creation. My pet became a member of the family and gave us so much comfort. He is in Your hands, and for that we are more than grateful, because we know You care for all Your creation. But, oh, the ache of missing him is real. Please help me through this grief and help me to remember You used my care of him to share Your goodness with others. I praise You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
As you grieve your loss, please don’t hesitate to reach out to other loved ones who want to help you through this difficult time. If you are a Christian, your church is a great place to start. Christians love as the world cannot. And the focus is always on Christ, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith. He will help you heal.
The following are a few very helpful passages as you grieve. You’ll find, as you pray through these passages, that you will linger on Christ’s words and your focus will turn to His goodness and grace.
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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
Originally published Thursday, 13 August 2026.
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