Lifestyle Prayers

Prayers For Everyday Living

When You Fall Apart

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The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

When you fall apart, remember that you are not alone, even when you look back and you only see one set of footprints.

The Footprints Poem:

One night I had a dream.

I dreamed I was walking along the beach
with the Lord..

Across the sky flashed scenes from my life..
For each scene, I noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand,
one belonging to me, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.

This really bothered me
and I questioned the Lord about it:
“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you’d walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why
when I need you most you would leave me.”

The Lord replied:
“My precious child, I love you and would
never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints, it was then
that I carried you.”

(Footprints Poem by Mary Stevenson)

In the midst of your despair, remember to lean into Jesus of Nazareth to receive His comfort, to hear His assurances, and to gain His strength. He is there for you, He will never leave you, and you can trust Him, as you lean on His everlasting arms.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

May you reveal yourself to those who are hurting. Let them know of your presence so that they can take refuge in you. As they abide with you, may they rest comfortably, marvel at your beauty, drink of your living water, and be restored in your peace. Amen.

Processing Your Own Grief

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Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. (John 14:1)

How do you process your own grief?

I have found that I process my grief in small amounts, sometimes by talking through things with people, but also by spending time just by myself, and doing things like writing posts.

Over the past year, our dog Hannah died, and she was a member of our family for 10 years. This past March, my Dad died in the hospital at the age of 90, and recently, within the last week, my Mom also passed away, in the same hospital, at the age of 86.

In order to get things done, I realize that I have had to set aside some of my grief for a later time.

When our dog died, we both grieved, as Hannah was a constant companion for my wife, and it took time getting over the loss of our canine friend. Hannah was God’s gift of grace for us, and her love for us knew no bounds.

My Dad was a faithful provider for our family, and he was married to my Mom for 65 years. Over the last few years, my Dad suffered from Alzheimer’s, and my Mom remained committed to his care, even though it was very challenging for her at times.

My Mom took one day at a time, and she would always tell me that we are in “her thoughts and her prayers.” One of her desires was to remain in her own home, even after my Dad passed away, and fortunately, that desire came true. Her public nurse describes my Mom as being “free, fierce, and faithful” to have lived her life, as she did, and this particular nurse has truly been a blessing sent from heaven, for our entire family.

So, in short, I have been able to process my grief in part, but not in whole.

I hope this brief reflection, over the past year in our lives, can bring you some hope and encouragement, as you take time to grieve and to remember your own loved ones.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

Help us to take one step at a time, and one day at a time, as you help us to process our grief. May you provide us with your reassuring words, your ongoing comfort, and your continued strength, as we move forward with you from these places of despair, and into a brighter future with you. Amen.

Losing Your Best Friend

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If you have been a pet owner, then you know what its like to lose your best friend. You understand how they have been part of your family, your close companion, and how they have brought such joy and comfort into your life.

If you are grieving the loss of your pet today, I pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort you. It’s not easy to say goodbye to them, and your good memories remind you of how much you miss them. So, be filled with thoughts of love towards them, because God is love, and love comes from Him.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit,

You know how to comfort those who are grieving the loss of their pet. Help them to grieve and surrender their pain to Jesus. Place the hope and love of Jesus into their wounded heart, so that He can speak His words of life, peace, and rest to them. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the wonderful work that you do. Amen.

Sharing Your Grief As A Family

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Today was a good day. We had the opportunity to visit my mom and share with her the news about my dad passing away. After this time, we were able to go out and enjoy a nice brunch together.

Walking through grief is not easy, but it’s worth sharing together as a family. You can be there to listen, cry, and even laugh, with one another as you grieve and even remember the good times.

Choosing to be there with my family is worth every moment. You can offer them your support, share your own grief, and reflect upon the impact that person has made in your life. 

In regards to my dad, I thank God for my dad’s life. His impact and influence on our lives have made a real difference. He worked hard, provided for our family, and would usually say: “you’re looking well”, every time he greeted us.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the opportunity to remember our loved ones, and to rest assured of their your presence with you. We look forward to seeing them once again, as you will gather us all together in the name of your Son, Jesus of Nazareth. Amen.

Grieving Prayer

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If you are in mourning, then I pray that Jesus will comfort you. May He bring you His joy by comforting your troubled heart and give you His peace to remove any fear. In the time to come He promises to wipe away every tear from your eyes. Death will end, mourning will cease, crying will stop, and pain will be no more, as you make room for His kingdom to come.

Remember that He is close to you when your heart is broken, and He saves you when you are crushed in spirit. He is your Healer, your Redeemer, and your Friend, and He knows how to tend to your wounds. Even when your heart and your flesh fail, you can count on Him to be your strength and your portion forever. Continue to trust Him, for He willingly took your pain and bore your suffering on the cross.

He is the One who started His good work within you, and He will be faithful to complete it. Rest in His love, be confident in His strength, be equipped with His power, and continue to walk in His authority. You are more than an overcomer through Him who loves you, and He promises to never leave you, nor forsake you, but to be with until the end. Amen.