Prayer on the occasion of the Death of a Family Member
O Lord, I cry out to you from the depths of my suffering.
I am in a valley as dark as night, I have endured the reality of death whose shadow hovers over me.
I am afraid I may never see the light of day.
Fear and even anger penetrate my soul.
Sorrow envelopes me making it hard for me to even breathe.
Where shall I go, to whom shall I turn?
I come to you O God in all of my pain and brokenness feeling completely alone.
I ask you Lord, in my misery to fill me with the hope of your Resurrection.
I have lost one that I love.
Help me to trust that you are holding and purifying (Name).
I pray that your merciful arms are wrapped around him/her.
Reach into the abyss I am in and teach me to place my hope in you so that I will be able to move out from the darkness of this loss and into the light of your mercy and love.
Jesus, I trust in your promise of mercy that I may one day see (Name) again.
I ask with all sincerity that you hold me in the palm of your hand in this very moment.
Walk beside me through this valley and lead me back to a place of joy again.
Have mercy on me Lord, a sinner.
I can do nothing more than lay myself at your feet.
Jesus, I trust in you!
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.