Prayer for Widows and Widowers
For those who grieve the loss of a spouse — finding God in loneliness and new chapters of life.
The Prayer for Widows and Widowers accompanies those who grieve the loss of a spouse and who must find God in loneliness and in new chapters of life. It acknowledges the empty chair at the table and the strange silence of the house. It asks for comfort, for friends and for the courage to keep living with hope. There is no timetable for grief. The Church has always cared for widows, and the Bible speaks of them with tenderness. If you are grieving, ask your parish about support groups or Masses for the deceased. If you know a widow or widower, a visit, a meal or an invitation can be the best answer to this prayer.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle PlayPrayer for Widows and Widowers
Lord God, You are a defender of widows (Psalm 68:5). Look upon those who have lost their beloved spouse, and let Your comfort be real and near.
The home that was filled with the voice of someone loved is now quiet. The chair at the table is empty. The grief is not only for a person but for a shared life — the inside jokes, the routines, the simple company of decades.
Lord, do not let grief become despair. Remind them that the one they love is with You, and that this is not the end of love — only its transformation. Let memories become treasures rather than wounds.
Give them courage for the practical burdens: the paperwork, the finances, the first holidays alone. Send friends who do not shy away from grief. Let the community of the Church be a true family.
And in Your mercy, let them know that their identity is not erased — they are still whole in You, still called to love and be loved, still held by the God who never leaves.
Mary, who stood at the cross and bore unimaginable loss, pray for all widows and widowers. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
When should I pray the Prayer for Widows and Widowers?
Pray it in the first months of grief, on anniversaries and during holidays.
How do I pray the Prayer for Widows and Widowers?
Light a candle, read the prayer slowly, and say your spouse's name.
Who is the Prayer for Widows and Widowers for?
Widows, widowers and the friends who support them.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play