Prayer for grief

Lord, (name) is gone, and I do not know how to go on without them. I come to you with the whole pain, undecorated.

I miss the voice, the ways, the conversations that will not happen anymore. There are things I wish I had said and things I wish I had not. I hand all of it over to you: the longing, the regret, the anger, the unanswered questions.

You wept at Lazarus's tomb. So I know my weeping does not offend you. Weep with me today.

Comfort me, but without hurry. Do not ask me to be fine before it is time. Stay with me in the waves that come when I least expect them — in the song, the smell, the date, the empty place at the table.

Thank you for the life of (name). For who they were to me, for what they taught me, for the time we had. Keep them with you, where there is no more pain or tears.

And when I am able, help me live in a way that honors who they were. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart. Stay near. Amen.