When U Pray

This seems to be a season of mourning for many families. Often when people call to inform you of the death of a loved one you don’t have any idea what to say, if you are like me, you are stumped. We don’t know what that death feels like to them, regardless to how many deaths we have faced. Each person experiences death differently every time.

We often issue platitudes like God knows what’s best, or God needed them more than you did, or one of my favorites, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I dare to say, they are probably not ready for that conversation yet.

I have been trying something new to me, but probably not new to you. I allow them to talk to me and tell me whatever it is they need to say. Sometimes they are talkative and want to tell you how much that person meant to them or how the death is affecting them, sometimes they are speechless. I then ask how can I best support them? I had to start asking what they needed because my normal response would be to so a bunch of things, because things is a safe place right? We do things to show our love but what if they don’t need things? Just ask.

One of the reasons why I have backed off using the tried and true Christian sayings is because I know the character of God. I know that he does not make mistakes, I know that he holds our loved ones in his hands. I know he will be with us, I know time heals, I can’t say all wounds anymore because some wounds never really heal but God allows us to prosper in spite of them. I know the power of intercession… praying for them when they can’t pray for themself.

”Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.“

Matthew 5:4 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.4.KJV

”I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me. But the Lord said, “My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.” So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me.“

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 ERV

https://bible.com/bible/406/2co.12.9.ERV

But let’s not act like we only mourn people who died. I have had the distinct honor of mourning people who still live. People who have played dead in my life, who went missing or absent or whose actions created an insurmountable barrier to our relationship. I know as a Christian I am to forgive, it is written..

”Yes, if you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, then your Father in heaven will also forgive your wrongs.“

Matthew 6:14 ERV

It is not written that forgiveness also gives unlimited access. There are times when it is best for everyone to sever the relationship to maintain your peace. Sometimes the relationship fades away with no wrong doing because the purpose for that relationship has been met. Either way things end and it hurts. God still shows up in those situations too. If you must offer comfort to someone grieving a living person or thing, do the same. Ask how you can support them.

I would offer to pray with them if and when they are ready. But even if they are not ready you can pray for them. My favorite prayer during this time is a prayer for peace.

Here is a scripture prayer you could use :

”God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.“

”When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. I trust God, so I am not afraid of what people can do to me! I praise God for his promise to me.“

”Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge.“

”“I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.“

”I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.“

”We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God chose, because that was his plan.“

”Yes, I am glad to have weaknesses if they are for Christ. I am glad to be insulted and have hard times. I am glad when I am persecuted and have problems, because it is when I am weak that I am really strong.“

”We pray that the Lord of peace will give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.“

in Jesus name, Amen