Best Short Prayer for Grieving Family to Comfort Loss

Hands stacked on bible | short prayer for grieving family

When it comes to short prayers, Anne Lamott offers the best short prayer of all time. I love how easy, simple and powerful this short prayer for a grieving family can be:

The word Help animated for blog post

"Help is a prayer that is always answered. It doesn't matter how you pray--with your head bowed in silence, or crying out in grief, or dancing. Churches are good for prayer, but so are garages and cars and mountains and showers and dance floors." 


~ Anne Lamott, Author Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers  



What is a prayer of comfort for a grieving family?

When a family member passes away, it leaves a void that words often cannot fill. In these moments of deep sadness, a short prayer can be a source of comfort.


Grief expert Megan Devine, author of the fabulous book, It's OK That You're Not OK  emphasizes the importance of acknowledging pain while offering a listening ear. 


Here is a heartfelt prayer that can provide comfort:


"Dear Heavenly Father, in this time of sorrow, we lift our weary hearts to You. We ask for Your loving embrace to surround this grieving family. May they find solace in Your constant presence and feel the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. O Lord, grant them strength for each step of the way. Amen."


What is a short prayer for loved ones who passed away?

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult times anyone can face. David Kessler, a renowned grief expert and author of Finding Meaning, The Sixth Stage of Grief, often speaks about the promise of eternal life as a source of comfort. 


A short prayer for grieving family members who've lost a loved one reminds them of this hope:


"Dear Lord, we entrust our dear friend into Your loving arms. May Christ Jesus welcome them into the promise of heaven, where there is no more pain of loss, only the love of God. Grant them eternal rest, O God, and let Your perpetual light shine upon them. Amen."

A Blessing for Grief from Kate Bowler

I am lovesick with this much sorrow. Teach me to speak this new mother tongue. Show me how to memorize what I can never forget what they gave and what is gone, and what we were owed by a world robbed of their presence. Hold me by the edges for I am coming apart. And nothing but love will find me.

Kate Bowler

What is a short comforting prayer?

In moments of profound grief, a brief prayer can bring immense comfort. Kate Bowler, author of the outstanding book: The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days, suggests prayers that acknowledge both the pain and the hope we hold onto. Here is a short comforting prayer:


"O God, our source of all comfort, we come to You with heavy hearts. Please be our source of strength during this season of mourning. Wrap Your loving care around this grieving family and fill them with the hope of eternal life through Christ Jesus. Amen."

What do I say to someone when a family member dies?

Knowing what to say when someone dies to say when someone loses a family member can be challenging. It's important to offer words of comfort that acknowledge their grief and offer hope. Here is a compassionate and prayful message:


"I am deeply sorry for your loss. I pray that the love of God will bring you peace in this difficult time. May you find comfort in your precious memories and the promise of eternal life. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family."

prayer for grief

What is a short prayer for a grieving family?

This short prayer for grieving family gets right to the point during such a tough time:


"Father God, we come before You with broken hearts. In this darkest valley, we seek Your peace and comfort. Surround this grieving family with Your loving arms and grant them the strength to face the coming days. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

How do you pray for a grieving family?

Praying for a grieving family involves asking for God's comfort, strength, and peace. Here is a heartfelt short prayer for grieving family:


"Dear God, we lift this grieving family to You. May Your Holy Spirit be their source of comfort and strength. Help them to feel Your loving presence in this time of need. Grant them peace that only You can give and the hope of better days ahead. Amen."

How can prayer help a grieving family?

Prayer can be a powerful tool for healing and comfort. It allows grieving family members to connect with a higher power, find solace in God's love, and feel supported during their time of loss. 


Kate Bowler notes, prayer can be a reminder of the constant presence of God and the promise of eternal life. Her layman's short prayer for grieving family is: May they comfort and hold you when there is nothing else to do but pray.

How do I offer a sympathy prayer for a grieving friend?

Offering a sympathy prayer for a grieving friend shows your support and care. Here is a prayer that can provide comfort:


"Almighty Father, we lift our dear friend to You in their time of grief. May Your loving care surround them and bring them peace. Help them to feel Your presence and find solace in Your word. Be their source of strength and guide them through their path of grief. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Additional Bible Verses for Comfort

  • "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." - Matthew 5:4
  • "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:3
  • "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

By incorporating these prayers and drawing on the wisdom of grief experts, we hope this blog post provides comfort and support to those in need.


In times of loss, may these words bring solace and remind grieving families of the promise of eternal life and the loving care of God.