Although loss is an inevitable part of life, this knowledge does not make it any easier for most people. The death of a loved one often takes its toll on friends and family members. However, turning to the holy scriptures and the power of prayer can help with the healing process by offering comfort and courage.
Below are 10 powerful death anniversary prayers for the bereft and bible verses for 1st year death anniversary of loved ones:
John 11:25-26 – A Promise of Life and Resurrection
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” NKJV
Dear God, I believe that it’s You who gives and takes life. As I mark the first year death anniversary of my loved one, I come before you in prayer. During this difficult time of remembrance and reflection, I ask for your peace and comfort to be with me, assuaging the pain of loss.
May their soul find everlasting rest in your loving embrace as we cherish their memory. Lord God, may Your perpetual light shine upon us and grant us wisdom and the strength to carry on. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
1 Corinthians 15: 42-44 – The Promise of a New Body and Life
“So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown in a natural body, it is raised in a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” NKJV
Gracious God, I trust in Your promise of reunion with our departed loved ones in Your presence. On this memorial prayer day for our loved one, I remember their life and hold them close to my heart.
Dearest Father, I pray for Your divine comfort to surround me, my friends, and family, bringing peace to our souls and soothing the pain of our loved one’s absence.
As we reflect on their life, may Your grace fill us with fond memories and a sense of their continued presence in our lives. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray. Amen.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 – A Prayer of Faith and Comfort
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and external weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” NKJV
Sweet Jesus, I believe in Your promise of eternal reunification with our departed loved one. As I grieve the loss of our beloved, may I find solace and refuge in Your holy name.
O Lord, heal my pain and strengthen me in my weakness. Dear Heavenly Father, may Your promises bring us steadiness and firmer hope during this time of distress. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Romans 14:8 – We Are the Lord’s
“For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. NKJV
Dear Lord, I believe we live and die to the glory of Your name. As I mark one year since the passing of my beloved, I offer my humble worship and adoration. We honor the life of our loved one, their love, and the enduring impact that they made in our lives.
Dear Father, I implore your divine healing to protect us from evil, mend our heavy hearts and bring solace to the souls of thy servants. May the spirit of our loved one continue to shine in Your divine realm, basked in your eternal joy and love. In the name of Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.
2 Corinthians 5:8 – Confident in the Lord’s Presence
“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” NKJV
Almighty God, during this first year anniversary of our loved one, we seek comfort in the knowledge that their soul is at peace in Your eternal loving embrace. Even in the pain of their absence, I am grateful that they entered Heaven’s gates at the end of their earthly journey, and are reunited with you in eternal life.
I trust in Your promise of salvation to those who believe in You. I pray that our departed loved one enjoys a peaceful rest in a place of solace, awaiting Your return. God of mercies, help me to honor their memory by leading a life of dedicated service, good deeds, and selfless love. In the name of the Father, I pray. Amen.
Psalm 73:26 – God is Your Strength and Portion
“My flesh and heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” NKJV
Lord Jesus, during this memorial service of my beloved, I come to you in prayer. I pray to You for strength, guidance, and words of comfort as I remember and honor their life.
Though this last year has been tough, with the first Christmas, birthdays, and other celebrations in their absence, we are grateful for the time they lived with us here on earth.
Help us to continue loving them even in death. I pray that your divine grace will embrace and comfort us as we deal with the memory of our loved one’s passing. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Revelation 21:4 – A Prayer for Comfort
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” NKJV
O Eternal God, It has been one year since our loved one passed away. Even though they are no longer with us, their presence is still felt. As we celebrate their life and reminisce about shared memories, grant us comfort and strength.
Though they departed from us, we know their soul is at peace in Your loving arms. We still miss them, and our hearts ache with the pain of loss. Lord, help us to remember them fondly and to focus on the good times we had together. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Psalm 34:18 – Comfort for the Heart Broken
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” NKJV
Lord Jesus, the pain of loss is still fresh in our hearts after the passing away of our dear loved one one year ago. As we reflect on their life, we are reminded of the wonderful moments we shared.
As we mourn their loss, we also give thanks for the time You gave us with our beloved here on earth. During this one-year anniversary, we pray for divine healing and comfort. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Romans 8:28 – All Things Work for Good
“And we know that all things work for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” NKJV
Father Almighty, I believe in my heart and trust that all this works for good to those who love You and are called according to your purpose. This week, as we mark 1st year death anniversary of our dear loved one, we remember them for the laughter and memories we shared.
Though this past year has been difficult and our hearts grieve their loss, we are reminded that it is all in accordance with Your will. Although they are no longer with us, we believe their spirit lives on in our hearts, and their soul is in a better place of eternal peace.
Merciful God, help us remember the happy times we shared with them and focus on their impact on our lives. Lord, give us wisdom and the strength to get through this day and the courage to face tomorrow. In Jesus’ holy name, we pray. Amen.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – A Message of Comfort in Reunification
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as those who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” NKJV
Lord, we gather today to celebrate our beloved’s life and their safe return home to be reunited with You on this first anniversary of their death. The pain of losing them might still be fresh in our hearts, but we take comfort in knowing they are at peace in Your presence.
We believe that You have welcomed them with Your open, loving arms and that we will join them in eternity. We pray for Your peace to comfort our hearts. Help us to find love, solace in Your word and promise of reunification at Your second coming. In Your Holy name, we pray. Amen.
Conclusion
The death of a beloved always leaves deep memories and pain in one’s heart. While you can do nothing to bring them back to life, you can always turn to the Bible and prayers for comfort and solace.
As you remember your departed loved one during this first year death anniversary, may the Lord’s grace and love be with you and your family. It is also important to pray for the departed soul and express your continued love for them.