A Prayer for the Grieving Wife

For the grieving woman whose husband fell in the line of duty in the county next to mine, this is my prayer. And for so many others, promises for the future cut short in one moment, and now having to go forward alone with a folded flag and a broken heart, this is for you, too. I cannot imagine how you hurt, but I am crying out to God on your behalf. God of all comfort, wrap your arms around this sweet woman, find her in the middle of her pain and hold her, comfort her with your incredible peace. Help her to get the sleep she needs tonight, the rest she needs for her body to get up and go on with life even as her soul rages against the hurt. Help her to know she is not alone, that you never abandon her and that she can lean into you for all she needs. Place so many brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, and dear friends around her that although her best friend on earth has been taken, she can go on and live knowing that she is loved. Meet her immediate needs for finances, for sorting through the necessary paperwork and benefits, for clarity and wisdom in understanding the steps that need to be taken. Guard her heart and mind against fear and anxiety, and protect her from being overwhelmed by the future. Help her to see you are her strong tower, her refuge,and the strength she needs to stand in the days to come. For her family, the little boys who are now without their earthly dad, place people around them to be your hands and feet, Jesus. Place strong men in their lives who will wrestle, run, and chase with them, who will show them what it means to be godly, upright, faithful men, and may they always know you are with them and never leave them alone. Lord, may your love pour out on this dear woman so that she may look back on this time and see your grace and mercy in every moment; in every tear she sheds, in every meal brought and every hug received, may she feel your presence. Lord, restore her joy, and redeem her pain. Let her not suffer for nothing, but let the experience of loss make her even more compassionate and a comforter to others, as one who knows that you can heal broken hearts, and may it deepen the beauty she already possesses as your precious daughter. "But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy." Proverbs 5:11. It seems unthinkable that this grieving wife could sing joyful songs again, but you are a God who restores what is broken, and you promise that after pain, joy will come. Help her heart to cling to your promises even through her hurt, her anger, and her deep sadness. Help her rejoice in your love and faithfulness once again. In the name of Jesus, Amen