I prayed at the funeral, this was both an honor and one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. A young father had kissed his wife goodbye, walked out the door for work, and never returned.
He died at work from a heart attack. His wife was left with four young sons, the youngest being a new baby. This young widow faces raising her sons alone.
During this difficult time, I was asked to give a prayer at the funeral. While the funeral was a difficult time I knew that over the next year, she would need prayer every day.
Here are nine powerful prayers and Bible Verses for widows after the recent death of their husbands.
Psalm 23:4 – Comfort in the pain for surviving wife
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Our heavenly father, we come to you today to ask for comfort in the pain. You are the God of all comfort. I ask that you wrap your arms around our friend. Please show her the comfort of your love.
I know that you are the father of compassion and that you care and love her more than I do. I ask that you give me ideas of what to do to bring comfort to her.
As she has to meet the needs of her family members and bring them comfort, show her that you are the God of comfort and you will be with her. You are the one who heals the broken heart. Help her see that your undying love for her will sustain her.
I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
Ecclesiastes 2:26a – Wisdom in the choices for widow
To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness.
O Lord, today I come and ask for our friend to have wisdom in the choices she has to make in these next few months. We ask you God to grant knowledge as she has many choices to make in the upcoming months.
God, you have promised the knowledge of our Lord to anyone who asks. Our friend has to make choices about her children’s future, finances, and day-to-day life. During this time making those choices will be overwhelming.
She needs your knowledge and wisdom to survive this period.
I am asking this in the name of the eternal God, The father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
Psalm 147:3 – Emotional healing in the trauma for widow
He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.
O God I am asking that you will bring emotional healing during this time of trauma. Our friend needs your bond of love to heal her during these days of tears. Meet with her in the evening as she prays before bed.
Help her feel your gentle embrace and peace.
I pray this in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen
John 14:27 – Peace in the storm for widow
Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Dear Lord, we need peace during this storm. As she begins each week, give her the peace she needs to calm the storm in her heart. While life around her feels like a hurricane storm, let her remember you are the one that spoke peace be still in the storm.
I know that you are the one that gives peace. During these days of mourning and walking through the storm, be her peace.
I ask this in the name of the God of all grace, Jesus Christ. Amen
Psalm 32:8 – Clarity in the Confusion
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Father God, during this time of confusion and days of sorrow, I am asking that you will grant clarity. Help my friend see through the fog and find the right direction to move.
As she cares for her young children, helps her to see clearly how to help them through the past of the sorrow of death.
I pray this in the name of the Lord Almighty, Jesus Christ. Amen.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 – Protection in the valley
But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
Dear God, my friend needs protection as she journeys through this dark valley. Being alone will open her to predators. Please God grant her protection during this time of need.
Let her see the motives of anyone who wants to bring her harm. Keep the evil people away from her.
I pray this in the name of the Lord Almighty, Jesus Christ. Amen
Malachi 3:10 – Finance in the future
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
Christ Jesus, we ask that you grant a breakthrough and many blessings with her financial security. Only having one income now will cause problems. Bring her toward the paths that will open up financial security for her and her family.
Give her the strength to ask for financial help when she needs it.
I pray this in the name of our glorious Father, Amen.
I Peter 5:7 – Companionship in the Loneliness
Casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.
Dear Father, My friend is facing extreme loneliness and she needs companionship. Remind me to keep in close relationship with her. Bring people into her life who will be companionship for her.
Remind her also that you are the one who will bring true comfort to her. And help her find her companionship in you.
I pray this in the name of our everlasting Father. Amen.
Isaiah 40:29 – Strength during loss of their husband
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak
Christ Jesus, this is a time when she will need spiritual healing and physical strength. You are the one who gives strength. We can do all things through your strength. Remind her of this promise. When she feels weak, show her your strength and how strong she is.
We ask this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.