Prayers in the Midst of Grief

Whether you get your news from local television stations, the internet, newspapers, or social media, it can be challenging and depressing to read about the seemingly unending violence in the world.

“My heart aches when I think about the victims and the collateral damage left by violence,” said Emily Vanden Heuvel, prayer ministry coordinator for ReFrame Ministries. “We see grieving parents, families torn apart, and communities devastated. I feel helpless and at a loss for words. I often don’t even know what to say when I pray.”

To help others who may be feeling overwhelmed by violence in the world, Vanden Heuvel and other members of ReFrame’s English ministry team worked to revise and republish a new ebook: Prayers of Comfort.

“Each entry in the book includes a daily promise from God’s Word and a short prayer,” said Vanden Heuvel. “Using Scripture to guide our prayers is often very helpful when we can’t find the words to pray.”

The 31-day guide was originally written by Chad Boorsma and Jolene DeHeer of LaGrave Avenue CRC in Grand Rapids, Mich. You can read a few sample entries below or view the entire ebook.

“I hope these promises and prayers encourage you to cry out to God, who is always listening,” Vanden Heuvel added. “May feelings of helplessness be replaced by an urge to seek God's comforting presence in prayer.”

Isaiah 54:10

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Loving and powerful God, at times my world seems to be shaking [as if I’m in] an earthquake. Replace my fear with the knowledge that neither shaken mountains nor flattened hills can take me away from your unfailing love. Thank you for the promise of your peace and compassion. I choose to rest in you. In the name of the risen Christ, Amen.

Psalm 42:11

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

God of hope, at times I wonder if this sadness will ever end; then I remember that my hope—my only hope—is in you, and I choose to praise you. Scripture says you delight in your people. I know that when I praise you, I am in your presence even in my deep sadness. Thank you for being my Savior and my God. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Lord God, I approach you today, and my heart is broken with grief. Thank you for the assurance that you are near me, even as I remain brokenhearted. Remind me of your presence when I feel like my spirit is crushed. You are my Savior, and you will continue to save me, protect me, redeem me, and restore me. In the precious name of Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.