Prayer for the Loss of a Grandchild
Oh, God, this is so unfair! Not our grandchild! It isn’t fair! It isn’t right! Our darling, young grandchild, the one we delighted in at birth, tended to, babysat, and loved without limits. Why now are our hearts broken by this death?
I can hardly think, and I can’t breathe. Such a tender and beloved little one with an entire life ahead. All of the hopes and dreams of the parents - our children - for this child they loved so much. And now our children are left with the devastation of losing their young child. Can I really comfort them?
Why? This just doesn’t make sense, and I want to yell at you. I cry yet again, trying to make sense of it.
Then your words come to me: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened. I will give you rest. You invite me to lay down my burdens, my sorrow, and my heartbreak. You will give me rest.
In the quiet, I feel your comforting presence with me, as I cry in despair. I feel your tears of sadness, too, for my own sorrow and for the loss of this amazing little person.
Help me, loving God. Show me how to carry on with my life. How to offer compassion to others. Teach me to share the great love I had for my grandchild with others who are still on earth.
Give me the grace to now speak to my grandchild in this new “life after life.” This young thing now has an understanding beyond ours and stands next to you in happiness and love. Help me, Lord.
Touch my heart with your healing love and let me be aware of your endless love in my life today and every day.
It will take time. Give me patience. Let me be aware of your love.