At the beginning of every funeral I’ve ever attended, after the family is seated, the first order of service is the Prayer of Comfort. Someone gets up and they pray over the family and for all who are grieving. They thank God for the life of the loss loved one and in a way, it really does comfort the bereaved.
Well, this is a prayer we don’t get to hear right now. With the restrictions of large gatherings due to Covid-19, funerals have not been taking place. But also due to Covid-19, there has been an increase in death so now more than ever, we need prayer; the prayer of comfort.
In 2016, I lost my great grandmother on my Mom’s side (BigMa) and grandfather on my Dad’s side (Po). Man, that was a hard year for me. So much grief but one thing that was comforting were the stories told at each of their funerals, the physical presence of family and the prayers shared at their services. And right now, grieving families aren’t afforded these normal rights of passage. So I want to take this time to pray, a prayer of comfort!
Father God, in the name of Jesus! Before we do anything else, God we want to say thank you! Thank you for the life of dear loved ones loss throughout this time. Thank you for the memories that will live on. Now God, I pray for comfort, for peace and that your love consumes everyone who is grieving right now. Your word says that you are near to the brokenhearted. (Psalms 34:18) Help those grieving great loss to experience you as Jehovah Shammah, the God who is there. Remind them that you’re close to them and always a present help. Guide them in this time of grief and strengthen them when they’re weak. Lord, I ask for your comfort today and going forward. And that this prayer and this post helps someone to feel seen, heard and loved by You. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
I pray this prayer helps ease pain. That it comforts. I love you. Yes, you! I wrote this because I see you and I grieve with you during this.
Cordelia Paris
CordeliaParis 