Far too often we don’t do anything because we’re afraid of doing something wrong. Or we don’t do anything at all because we think we can’t do enough.
Instead of giving a homeless person the $5 bill we have in our wallet, we don’t give them anything because we don’t have $20. Instead of sending our relatives a nice birthday card, we don’t send anything because we don’t have time to buy presents. Instead of saying a simple prayer for someone who is grieving, we do nothing because we’re afraid we can’t take the pain, the hopelessness, the grief.
I fall into this trap far too often as well. But can I tell you something? These people in our lives would appreciate the smallest gesture. Even if you don’t do it perfectly, do something—guided by the Holy Spirit.
Even a single glass of cold water will not go unrewarded: “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:42; NIV)
Jesus is so happy when you help others in His name. Even if it’s not perfect. Even if it’s not much. Even if it’s just a cup of cold water.
How can I comfort someone who is grieving?
Only God can comfort. We may be able to offer a shoulder to cry on. We can offer a simple prayer. We can give them a look that says, ‘I have no idea how bad this pain hurts. I don’t have an answer for that. But I’m here.’ But we cannot take away the pain. We cannot heal their broken heart. Only God can do that.
- And so I wait for You – through all deserts of sadness, I wait for You
- Going through the valley of despair. The end of grief is around the corner. Don’t give up
Realize that you cannot bring anyone out of deep grief. Take that pressure off. Your loving Heavenly Father can and will comfort His beloved children. You don’t have to rescue anyone from grief. But you can be there. You can pray.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles…” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4; NIV)
How can I pray for someone who is mourning?
As Jesus’ sheep, we have the Holy Spirit in us. We can ask Him for His wisdom, guidance, and help in anything. Even when we pray for those who mourn, we can count on our mighty Helper.
Here is an example of what a prayer for mourners might sound like:
My dear Heavenly Father, thank You for helping us in all situations. Thank You for helping my friend (you can use their name if you’d like). You are the God of all comfort and You stand by them even now. I pray that You will also give them your joy again and give them hope every day. Let them know and understand Your love more and more every day. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
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⇒ Are longer prayers more effective? – Matthew 6:7
⇒ God has prepared good works for you to walk in. What are you waiting for?
