Prayer for the Grieving
A prayer for those carrying grief — honest, unhurried, and held by a God who also wept
The Prayer for the Grieving is honest, unhurried and held by a God who also wept. Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, and the Church promises blessing to those who mourn. This prayer does not hurry you through grief. It invites you to bring your sorrow, anger and tiredness to him. Say it as often as you need. Grief has its own timeline, and there is no wrong way to mourn. Return to this prayer on anniversaries, and consider asking a priest to offer a Mass for the person you miss.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle PlayPrayer for the Grieving
Lord, I am carrying grief today. It is heavy and strange and I do not know how to put it down.
I am not just sad. I am hollowed out. There is a shape in my life where someone or something used to be, and everything I do keeps bumping into that empty space.
Thank You that I do not have to pretend with You. Thank You that You do not ask me to rush through this. You who wept at the tomb of Lazarus — You understand grief. You do not stand at a distance from it and offer explanations. You enter it.
(Pause and be honest with God about what you are carrying)
I do not ask for the grief to stop, only that You be with me inside it. Help me to eat, to sleep, to function. Help me to accept the kindness of others. Help me, when the time is right, to find moments of grace and even beauty again — not as betrayal of what I lost, but as the beginning of resurrection.
'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.' Lord, I am mourning. Comfort me.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
When should I pray the Prayer for the Grieving?
Pray it during the first weeks of grief and on anniversaries.
How do I pray the Prayer for the Grieving?
Light a candle, read the prayer slowly, and say the name of the person you miss.
Who is the Prayer for the Grieving for?
Anyone grieving a loss.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play