Life can be difficult and we all go through hard times, but there comes a point when one has to step back and say “What’s important here?”. And, for me, it becomes the people in my life who I love so dearly. Thank you for being here for me through it all. I know it’s been hard on you too and I can never thank you enough for your unwavering support.
Losing a mother is like losing a part of yourself. It’s impossible to imagine the pain an individual must be going through during this difficult time. However, in our book of life, it is important to remember that memories don’t die when our loved ones pass away. The memories can only fade unless we make a conscious effort to keep them alive.
Prayer For Someone Who Lost Their Mother
It’s the little moments filled with the shadows of what could have been. When your baby has her first bath. When you can’t remember what the secret ingredient was that she always added to the family recipe, or when you just need her to say you’re doing a great job. The loss of a mother leaves us feeling like little Orphan Annie whether we’re five, twenty-five, or older.
It’s never easy, even if your mother is a believer and you know she is in Jesus’ arms. Even so, the Bible provides comfort, consolation, and prayers for the loss of a mother.
We pray for [name of person] who has died.
God, we ask that you watch over [name of person] as he or she transitions from this world to the next. Please give him or her strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time. Please guide those who are left behind to be strong and courageous in their grief and loss. Help them to remember your words to us: “I am with you always.”
We pray in the name of your son, Jesus Christ.
Praying after a death can help to bring peace to those mourning. By praying for someone you have lost you find comfort and can soothe the pain.
So if you want to pray for a lost loved one and remember those who have passed, or just offer support to those grieving a death, try these prayers for the dead.
Prayer For Comfort In Loss
Losing a loved one can bring about a sudden feeling of shock and deeply trouble your heart. Reciting a prayer for comfort can help to bring you consolation and reassurance in the goodness of God. Here are some great prayers for the loss of a loved one.
My Hiding Place Prayer
Father, I pray to you, for you are always there, always ready to be found. I thank you for being my hiding place. I run to you when the great waves of grief rise and threaten to overcome me. Watch over me in my distress over losing my dear one. Surround me with songs of deliverance when I am in the valley of sorrow and feel like I cannot go on. Counsel me and encircle me with your mercy and loving devotion. Amen.
Comfort for Loss Prayer
Father, thank you that I am never alone, your presence calms the troubled sea of my life and speaks peace to my soul. Your word says that my faith will never be put to shame when my trust is in you. Hear my prayer as I ask for comfort in dealing with the loss of my loved one. Help me to find strength and peace in your presence. Restore joy to my soul. Lord, bless me and keep me, make your face shine upon me. Turn your face towards me and give me peace. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Pain of Separation Prayer
God of all comfort, my family and I are consumed with the pain of separation from our dear one who has left this life. We know that we will be reunited one day, but our hearts long to be together now. We remember that even Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus. And yet, in our sorrow, we thank you for the sweetness of your abiding presence. We thank you for your comfort and the peace that passes all understanding. Amen.
Comfort My Heart Prayer
Faithful Father, thank you that you are perfectly faithful; you never forget, never fail and never take back a promise. You have promised that you will respond to the prayer of the needy. Show compassion to me in my time of need Lord and comfort my heart as I mourn my loved one. Let me be filled with your Holy Spirit. You are the God of hope. Fill me with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit I may abound in hope. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Wisdom
God of wisdom, direct my mind as I make needed decisions today as we deal with the death of our loved one today. The pain and grief are severe, but I need to maintain a clear mind as I work out the necessary arrangements at the hospital and funeral home. I don’t know where and how to start. It’s overwhelming me. Father, please come and minister to my broken heart and clouded mind. Empower me with your wisdom so I can plan how to meet obligations and carry out the tasks that lay before me today. Please let your Spirit be with me. Amen.
Faithful Friend Prayer
Lord, what a faithful friend we have in you. You carry our sorrows and our griefs and our pain. Thank you for the privilege of taking everything to you in prayer. Remind us when we are overwhelmed with the grief of this great loss that we don’t need to forfeit peace or bear needless pain; we can take our troubled hearts to you. There has never been a faithful friend like you, who shares our sorrows and knows our hearts. Thank you, sweet friend. Amen.
Prayer for Comfort in God’s Tender Love
God of all comfort, please be near me today. Let your strong presence be felt now and in the coming days. The grief of losing my loved one is so heavy on my heart and mind. I pray that you would come and comfort me. Wrap me up in your tender love. It pains me to lose someone so close to my heart. I struggle to understand, but I know that you’ve seen all this in times past. And in your wisdom, you have chosen to take my beloved family member/friend at this time and in this way. Embrace me, O God, and speak words of assurance and comfort by the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hope in Grief Prayer
O Lord, my God, thank you that you are my rock and fortress, I can always find refuge in you. You have said that whoever follows you will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. As I feel the darkness of grief and sorrow at this time, shine your light on my life. Remind me that my hope is found in you. May your love surround me, your Spirit guide me, your voice cheer me, your peace calm me, your shield protect me, your wisdom arm me, wherever you may lead me. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of Thanks
Father, Creator God, you give and take away. As the patriarch Job in the Bible, I choose to praise and thank you today. You’ve given us wonderful years with my loved one. You’ve blessed me with his/her companionship and affection. Thank you, God. You are good. My loved one had lived a great life. I am grateful to you for all the ways he/she has touched me and others in so many helpful and significant ways. Thank you for the gift of his/her life, and thank you that my loved one now rests and takes joy in your presence. You are so good. Amen.
Treasures in Jars of Clay Prayer
God, thank you that even though our bodies are frail and perish, like jars of clay, we have eternal treasures. Thank you for the priceless treasure of the knowledge of the glory of God. Thank you for the promise of immortality, that far exceeds the riches of this world. We are struck down with grief at the passing of our loved one, but we praise you that the earthly body is exchanged for paradise and the promise of a redeemed and glorified body. Amen.
Prayer for Strength and Sleep
Father, as I deal with the death of my loved one, I ask for your help. This overwhelming grief makes it hard for me to sleep and stay strong. Lord, you understand me perfectly, and you know how hard it can be to find rest in the midst of pain, worries, and doubt. Father, please come and calm my heart, mind, and body. Give me the will and time to rest my body and mind so I can recover much-needed strength. In this time of grieving, help me to remember my need for food for the good of my physical wellbeing. Amen.
Peace Prayer
Heavenly Father, by your power Christ conquered death and ascended in glory. I pray that you will give me the blessing of peace in the midst of my grief at the loss of my loved one. Jesus died and rose again, and is seated at your right hand, interceding for your people. I ask that you would bring comfort to my weary heart. I thank you for the memories I have and pray that you will show me the path of life, and the fullness of joy in your presence through all eternity. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fixing Eyes on Eternity Prayer
Lord, thank you for your persevering presence through my time of loss. Even though I mourn, I do not lose heart at the passing of my beloved into your presence. My current grief and affliction are producing an eternal glory with which nothing can compare. I lift my eyes to you and fix my sight on eternity. Just as the earthly body of my loved one failed, and everything around me will eventually pass away, yet you renew my soul day by day. I fix my eyes on what is unseen and eternal. Amen.
Prayer for Relief
Gracious God, I need you in my life today. It is so hard to come to terms with losing my loved one. The pain and stress are taking a toll on my mind, heart, and body. I surrender all these negative and unhelpful thoughts and emotions. Father, relieve me, I beg you. Take all these away and replace them with assurances of your love and comfort. You are so good, let me not forget that. Help me refocus my mind and heart on all that’s good. Bring to mind all the good memories of my loved one and all the wonderful things he/she has left in my life today. Amen.
Sanctification Prayer
Mighty God, thank you that you are my creator, you know me better than anyone else. You know the pain and grief I feel at this time. You have promised that you will make all things work together for my good. Please provide comfort for me and use this difficult time to develop my character. You are the God of peace. May you sanctify me completely, and may my whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ. You, who called me, are faithful to the end. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Remember My Tears Prayer
God, remember my tears and misery at the loss of my dear one. As I recall your own suffering on my behalf, I have hope. Because of your loving devotion, I grieve, but I am not consumed. For your mercies never fail me, they are new every morning. You are abundant in your steadfast care. You ease the sorrow of those who expectantly wait on you. Thank you, dearest Lord, for your compassion and abundant loving devotion. Amen.
God’s Embrace Prayer
Lord, Jesus Christ, my Savior and redeemer, you willingly gave yourself up to death, so that all might be saved and pass from death to life. By dying you unlocked the gates of life for all those who believe in you. In my grief and shock, may I be comforted and embraced by your loving arms. I place my hope in your eternal life. Give me hope in my confusion and grace to live my life in thanksgiving to you. I look to your love and mercy to sustain me in my time of need. In your powerful name, Amen.
Out of the Depths Prayer
God, out of the depths of my sorrow, I call on your name. Hear my cry and do not ignore my tears. I thank you that you draw near when I call to you. O Lord, my defender and redeemer, you have seen the death of my beloved, and you know my searing loss. My heart is filled with sorrow and unending grief. O Lord, I thank you and bless you that you have inclined your ear to me. Carry me through this season of tears. Amen.
Strength in God’s Name Prayer
Father, thank you that you are the source of all true joy in life. Your word says that, even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. The loss of my loved one feels like a dark valley. I ask that you lead me through this difficult time. May I find the comfort I desire in you and the strength I need in your name. May your presence be with me every hour of the day. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer to the Man of Sorrows
Lord, truly when you walked this earth you were a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. I thank you that you are able to sympathize with my earthly tears, for you wept as well. Deal gently with me, O merciful Savior, for you understand the pain of losing a dear friend. You learned obedience through suffering – may I do so as well. Comfort me, my Lord, and soothe my sorrow. Help me draw solace from knowing my departed one is with you. Amen.
Draw Near Prayer
O Lord, my God, you are my refuge and strength in times of trouble. Meet me in my sorrow and lift my eyes to the peace and light of your compassionate hand. You have promised that you are near to the brokenhearted and close to those who are crushed in spirit. Draw near to me, Lord, and may I find comfort in your presence. Give rest to my troubled heart and replace my fear with faith. You are eternally gracious, merciful and caring. Send your Holy Spirit to comfort me in the light of your glory and grace. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of the Broken Heart
Father of compassion, my grief is beyond healing, and my heart is broken. My joy has flown away with the spirit of my loved one, yet you are my comforter in my incurable and overwhelming sorrow. Come to me quickly, O Father, for my spirit fails within me. Don’t hide your face from me. Enfold me in your arms and remind me of your promises of eternity. Remind me that my loved one is at peace, and we will meet again. Amen.
Hold Me Close Prayer
Everlasting Father, thank you that you are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Your word says that when I pass through the waters, you will be with me, the rivers will not sweep over me, the fire will not burn me. As my grief feels overwhelming, I ask that you would hold me secure. Remind me that your strength is made perfect in my weakness. May your love be the passion in my heart. May your joy be my strength when times are hard. May your presence be my peace that overflows. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Weary with Grief Prayer
God, I am weary with grief. All night I flood my pillow with tears at the pain of losing my dear one. I thank you that you hear my weeping, you hear my cry for mercy, and you accept my prayer. Heal the agony of my heart and soothe the distress of my soul. Help me because of your loving devotion. I thank you that you are my refuge and my stronghold as I pass through the valley of bitterness. Amen.
Eternal Life Prayer
God, thank you that you made the universe and everything in it. You made mankind in your own image and have promised an inheritance of eternal life. I thank you for the life of my loved one, the love I received from him/her, and the memories that I cherish of him/her. I rejoice in your promises of pardon, joy and peace to all those who love you. Show me mercy in my grief and give me joy through your Holy Spirit. Comfort me in my grief, Lord. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Consolation
God, bring me consolation in this painful loss of my loved one. Minister to me in your love and understanding and compassion. I miss my loved one so much – the companionship and the meeting of souls. I keep wanting to tell them something, but then remember they are no longer in this life. I thank you that you never leave me nor forsake me. Lift me up from this sorrow, so I can praise you once again. Amen.
Renew My Strength Prayer
Prince of Peace, thank you that you hear and answer my prayers. You have promised that those who hope in you will have their strength renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint. Give me the strength to endure this time of mourning and grief at the loss of my loved one. May the peace of God reign in my life, the love of God surround me, the Spirit of God empower me and the joy of God uphold me. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Help Me Remember Prayer
Lord, in my grief, help me remember the times of joy I shared with my departed loved one. Help me remember those deep conversations, the jokes, and the times we laughed and cried together. Help me remember the adventures we shared. But most of all, help me remember that You are my truest friend. You loved me so much that you gave your life so my loved one and I can be with you forever. Thank you that weeping lasts for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Amen.
Compassion Prayer
God, I thank you that you are the Lord of life. I praise you that we are made in your image, reflecting your truth and light. Have compassion on my grief Lord and fill my hearts with thanksgiving to you. I wait with eager anticipation for the resurrection of the dead at the return of Jesus Christ. I thank you that I will share with all your people in a world with no sin, pain or death. I long to see you face to face and be reunited with my loved ones. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Not Forsaken Prayer
My Good Shepherd, I know your name, and I trust in you, for you have not forsaken those who seek you. I thank you that you give rest to my soul and wipe my tears. I mourn my loved one who has passed from this life, but I know that precious in your sight is the death of your godly ones. I know my loved one’s spirit is with you now, spared from any further sickness or sorrow. I praise you, Lord, for you are gracious, and righteous, and full of compassion. Amen.
At Home with the Lord Prayer
God of all peace, my loved one has exchanged an earthly dwelling for a heavenly one. Although I miss my loved one and feel sad, I find peace in knowing that to be absent from this body is to be at home with the Lord. Our mortality is swallowed up by life. I thank you, God, that you have prepared us for this very purpose, and given us Your Spirit as a pledge of what is to come. I thank you for this assurance and aspire to walk by faith and not by sight. Amen.
Revive My Soul Prayer
Lord, Jesus Christ, thank you that your word revives my soul, gives wisdom to my mind and produces joy in my heart. You have said that you give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. Comfort my heart in this time of loss. Hear my prayer and heal my wounded soul. May you, the God of all grace, who has called me into eternal glory by Christ Jesus, make me holy, strong and filled with peace. To you be glory and honor, forever and ever. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
That Glorious Day Prayer
God, I weep for my dear departed one. But I also look forward to that glorious day when you will swallow up death forever. You will wipe away the tears from every face. You will remove the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. On that day, we will rejoice in your salvation. You will prepare a wonderful feast for all the people of the world who trust in You. I thank you, Lord, for the comfort I receive from your promises. Amen.
Strengthen My Faith Prayer
God, thank you for the gift of life. Renew my trust in your Son, who you raised from the dead. Strengthen my faith that all your people who have died in the love of Christ will share in his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you, now and forever. I thank you for the life of my loved one who has departed to be with you. I am grateful for every memory of love and joy, for every good deed and every sorrow shared. I thank you for the rest in Jesus Christ he/she now enjoys. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Overwhelmed by Faithfulness Prayer
Father, I am overwhelmed by your faithfulness as I pass through this valley of the shadow. Thank you for your compassion that never fails me. Sustain me through my sorrow and provide all I need. I thank you for your mercies; nothing can compare with your faithfulness and endless love. Thank you for your enduring peace and your presence that cheers and guides me. Thank you for blessing me with strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Amen.
Short Prayers for the Dead
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Love always, in the name of Jesus.
Amen
For Those We Have Lost
Almighty and eternal God,
from whose love in Christ we cannot be parted,
either by death or life:
hear our prayers and thanksgivings
for all whom we remember this day;
fulfil in them the purpose of your love;
and bring us all, with them, to your eternal joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For Bereavement
Lord, have mercy
on those who mourn
who feel numb and crushed
and are filled with the pain of grief,
whose strength has given up
You know all our sighing and longings:
be near to us and teach us to fix our hope on you
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Examples Of Losing A Mother In The Bible
The death of a mother is heartbreaking. Whether it was expected or unexpected. It leaves us grieving throughout our lifetime wishing she was just a phone call away. It’s hard to know what to do when we are accustomed to turning to mom for advice about anything and everything. She would be the one to tell you how to get stains out of laundry, the best potty-training tricks, how to be a listening ear to an obnoxious teenager and so much more. She was the rock and foundation of your world and now she is gone.
Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of people mourning the loss of a loved one including Jesus. Although He didn’t lose His mother, He did lose a close friend. He understood our grief and wept. But there are several examples of mothers dying in the Bible—mostly to childbirth.
Ichabod’s Mother
Before Ichabod’s mother died, she named him based on the grief of the battle that happened around her. Ichabod means “departed glory,” as he was born on the day that the art was stolen and taken into captivity by the philistines. He never knew his mother, but he knew how her heart ached for the Lord and her country.
Joseph and Benjamin’s Mother
Joseph never got to see his mother again after he was sold into slavery by his brothers at the age of 17. Later, he was imprisoned after being accused of something he didn’t do. Later, because of his patience and trust in the Lord, God raised him up as second in command in Egypt, saving a whole nation from starvation—including the brothers who betrayed him. When the family made amends, he was in his 30’s and learned his mother had died giving birth to his youngest brother Benjamin.
She was in her mid-thirties and the labor was intense. With her last dying breath, she named her son Ben-Oni, meaning “son of my sorrow.” But Jacob changed his name to mean “son of my right hand.”
Issac’s Mother
Isaac’s mother Sarah was 127 when she died. But before she drew her last breath, she met Isaac’s wife and blessed them. We learned because of his wife, he was comforted in the death of his mother.
Moses’ Mothers
Moses lost his mothers in ways that are like death. His mother protected him at birth from the decree of the king to kill all newborn baby boys. So, she came up with a plan and was able to be a nurse to him as he was raised in the palace. But because of Moses’ choices and temper, he fled to the desert where he lived for decades before the Lord used him to bring his nation out of slavery. When he goes back to Egypt, he learns his mother had passed and there is no mention of his adoptive mother.
These examples give us insight into the lives and families of the Bible. These mothers all valued being a mother. It was their highest calling and duty. They loved and cherished motherhood. They cherished their children.
What To Say To Those Grieving The Loss Of A Mother
The loss of a mother, no matter how old you are, will change your life forever. As I think about a very close friend who lost her mother in her twenties, she has learned to live with the loss, but she will never get over it. Her mother is never far away from her thoughts and daily life. A mother’s love will always be with her children but losing her is one of the deepest sorrows each of us will encounter one day. But her love, her care, her embrace, and her wisdom will live on as a legacy.
Knowing what to say to some who is mourning her mother is daunting. We don’t want to say the wrong thing, but we don’t want to stay silent either. Whether you opt to send a sympathy card, a caring gift, or offer kind words, there are always meaningful ways you can show the person in mourning that you support them during this time. If you knew her mother, you could personalize what to say or what to write in a card:
I can imagine how difficult this time may be for you. I want you to know that your mother was amazing, and I know how much she loved you.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I pray that God comforts you in your darkest hours.
Thinking about you and sending lots of love during this difficult time.
Your mother’s kindness, generosity, smile, and presence will be deeply missed.
Thinking about you and sending lots of love during this difficult time.
No matter how you feel or what you’re going through, I am here to walk alongside you as you process this loss.
I love you and am always here for you.
I can only imagine how much you miss your mom. I miss her so much too. What happened was devastating and I’m here for you in any way you need.
Short Prayer For Someone Who Lost Their Mother
Offering words of comfort are welcomed during this time of mourning and so are thoughtful prayers. You can either pray these prayers for your friends and family as they journey through their loss or you can pen these words into a card, text, or letter. Knowing that someone has actually prayed provides a deep sense of reassurance and solace.
A Prayer for Comfort and Mercy
Father of Compassion,
Please be a refuge and pillar of strength. A dear friend has lost her mother and she mourns the loss so deeply. God, we thank you for the wonderful woman this mother was. We thank you for the strength, wisdom, courage, and life lessons she taught all of us by her example. She meant so much to all of us and I thank You that she was ushered into Your presence. Father God, I thank You that her mother, while no longer with us in this life, will live forever with You. You conquered the grave and opened the gates of heaven. I entrust my sweet friend and her mama into Your gracious care and look to You with faith and hope in everlasting life, to comfort her in her grief and pain. In Your powerful name, Amen. (Heather Riggleman)
A Prayer for a Friend Who’s Lost Her Mother
Father God,
You are the God of compassion, solace, and refuge. My friend needs you every hour—she’s lost her mother and we know You are holding her in Your arms as You welcome her into heaven. God, you know that encountering death is never easy but that’s why You sent Your sent. Encourage my friend’s soul to rise to You when the pain and the loss are too much. Lord, she needs You more than ever. During this time of loss, help her remember that You knew her mother from birth and that she died in Your loving arms. Help her to trust in the name of Jesus who conquered sin and death. Help her take solace that she will one day see her mama again. May the Words in your good book bring her comfort, Amen. (Heather Riggleman)
A Prayer for a Family Grieving the Loss of a Mother
Dear Father,
She was a pillar, a gift of love, a treasure to my soul. Always caring, ever kind, and giving, even as she grew old. To me, she was a lovely mum, to you a beloved child. I could only know her a little, you knew her spirit deep inside. Whilst waves of grief break over me, crushing like a storm, You’ve greeted her with a warm embrace, and gently called her home. It’s silent and so empty here, since she passed away, and yet she will hear celebration, called forever into grace. My memories are treasures now, I’ll value, keep and sow, I know she’s taken all her riches, left the chaff, and worn the gold! As time passes, I’ll forget the hurt and pain she bore, For now, she’s free, restored, and peaceful, in your arms forevermore. I’ll let each bulb, each bud, each bloom, sing to me of your love. For you reign in eternity, and I’ll wait for your kingdom to come. Thank you for my special mum, I trust her to your care, we rest in your arms secure and safe, we are both children there. (Lord’s Prayer Words)
Prayer for the Loss of a Mother
Heavenly Father,
At this moment, nothing seems to be able to help the loss I feel after my mother’s passing. My heart is broken, and my spirit mourns. All I know is that Your grace is sufficient and there is comfort knowing she is with you in heaven. This day, this hour, moment by moment, I choose to lean on You, for when I am at my weakest Your strength is strongest. I pour out my grief to You and praise You that on one glorious day when all suffering is extinguished and love has conquered we shall walk together. Amen. (Beliefnet)