Grief

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

*****

Dear Heavenly Father, In times of grief we have nowhere to turn to except for you. You are our only hope. You provide the comfort that we need. Please, God, wrap your loving arms around ___. Let Your Presence be so very real right now. It brings us great comfort to know that You understand our grief, because your only Son died, too. It brings us much hope because He conquered death and brought us eternal life through His resurrection. Thank you, Lord, that you are willing to carry our pain and our sorrows. Please give __ your strength and wisdom and guidance today, and every day. Help _ to rest in your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.