As believers, we are called by God to love one another (John 13:34-35). One of the ways we love one another is by being there for a believer who has lost a child (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). While indeed we are to comfort and encourage grieving, at times, we can offer the best encouragement or comfort by simply being with them as they grieve. When a fellow brother or sister in Christ carries the heavy burden of grieving a lost child, we also carry that burden as if it were our own (Galatians 6:2). In other words, we empathize and show compassion to them (Colossians 3:12-14).
Heavenly Father, stir up compassion in me, and give me the wisdom to minister, comfort, and empathize with my fellow brother/sister in Christ who has lost a child. Use me as Your instrument of mercy toward them. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
How to Pray for Someone Who Lost a Child
What Can You Pray for a Parent Who Lost a Child?
One of the things you can request in prayer for a parent who is grieving, having lost a child, is comfort. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, it is written that God is the God of all comfort and the Father of all mercies who comforts us in times of affliction. With that in mind, pray for God’s mercies and comfort upon someone you know who just lost a child. In your prayer, you can also say confessional prayers, where you confess particular Bible verses about the life of the grieving parent. For example, in Psalm 23:6, it is written that God’s goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives. As such, you can pray something like this:
Lord, I thank You because even in this season of grieving for her, Your mercy and goodness still follow her. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
How to Pray for Someone Who Lost a Child
How to Pray for Someone Who Lost a Child
You can also request restoration of their soul or the binding up of their wounds. In Psalm 23:3, it says that God restores our souls. Psalm 147:3 also tells us that God heals our broken hearts and binds up our wounds. These are very comforting truths. When a parent loses a child, it is indeed very heartbreaking and brings pain to the soul. However, God tells us that even when our soul is hurt, He is the One who restores it and makes it whole again.
In such a difficult time, you can also pray for the strength and grace they need to persevere through life. Hebrews 4:16 says that in Christ, we can approach God’s throne of grace to ask for grace and mercy in times of need. This time, you are praying for grace and mercy not for yourself but for your brother or sister in Christ who lost a child. Pray for the grace they need and that they shall continue depending on Christ for strength to continually thrive as a Christian, even in times of difficulties (Philippians 4:13; James 1:12).
How to Pray for Someone Who Lost a Child
Heavenly Father, give us the grace and mercy we need to persevere in this journey of faith, even in times of grieving. Thank You because our grace in Christ is greater than our deepest sorrows. Christ is the fountain that refreshes our soul. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
How to Pray for Someone Who Lost a Child
How Can You Pray for Someone Who Lost a Child?
You can pray for someone who lost a child by approaching them, whether in church, at a funeral, or wherever you meet, and asking if you can pray for them. If the situation does not allow you to approach and pray for them, you can pray for them on your own personal time with God. You can pray for their needs. Above, we listed some things you can request in prayer for a grieving parent. However, you can also ask them or discern on your own what you can request in prayer. Aside from comfort, mercy, and healing, you can ask for financial provision for their expenses. Perhaps they want to move forward and are looking for a new home. Whatever their needs are, you can incorporate them into your prayers.
Father in heaven, I pray for my friend in church who has lost his child. I pray that You will comfort his aching soul and remind him that You are with him no matter which season he is going through. Help him process and grieve everything well. Give him the strength to carry on with his journey of faith no matter the difficulties he faces. Provide everything he needs, Father. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
In such times, Christ is the greatest comfort we can give to someone who is grieving. Christ knows our pain because He became human and knows what it is like to be in our shoes (Hebrews 4:14-16). He is also our comfort in such a situation, offering us to take His yoke, which is gentle and light (Matthew 11:28-30). Christ carries His ministry modestly and gently—even those who are broken are gently taken care of.