We want to find a way to console the grieving person and show our respect when people lose a loved one. A very effective approach to achieving this is through prayer, particularly sympathy prayers.
Prayer enables us to communicate our love and compassion for others, to understand what they are through, and to wish them courage during such a trying time. In addition to being a way to bring people together, praying is an act of kindness toward others, which is crucial during a time of loss.
The individual who is mourning can benefit from prayer as well. If they pray with you or others, it may help them find comfort, solace, or hope for the future. When you’re suffering from the loss of a loved one, you can pray by using any of the comforting verses found in the Bible.
We’ve put up a lovely collection of sympathy prayers for you below, so if you’re struggling to find the right words to describe your feelings or you just want to send a sympathetic, Scriptural, and consoling prayer for a friend, you can choose a perfect prayer from this list.
Religious Scriptures For Seeking Comfort
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light
Matthew 11:28-30
This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life
Psalm 119:50
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord
Lamentations 3:25-26
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid
John 14:27
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds
Psalm 147:3
For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly
1 Peter 2:19
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
for if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s
Romans 14:8
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed
Isaiah 53:3-5
Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I
Psalm 61:1-2
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory
Isaiah 61:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23
But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is thy faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”Lamentations 3:21-24
Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and body with grief.Psalm 31:9
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
1Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The Gospel of Matthew 5:1-11
Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief
Psalm 31:9
Sympathy Prayers For Condolences
O Lord, you told us to call upon you in the day of trouble. Today, we are greatly troubled. Grief can feel so overwhelming, so all-encompassing, so unending, so painful
But we do not mourn as those who have no hope. You have promised to come again. Death will be defeated at last, and you will make all things new. On that day, when we rise to meet you, we have hope that all who have died in faith will be raised up and made new again, in the image and likeness of your Son
And we thank you for the promise that you will deliver; you will comfort; you will give us rest. As we call upon you, help us to see and feel and know your deliverance, and thus glorify you even as we mourn
We can’t bear this load on our own. So we come to you. We call upon you: help us to cast our anxieties and cares upon you, knowing that you care for us. Deliver us from these troubles by providing comfort
O Lord, you are the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. You yourself have suffered the death of your only Son. If you did not spare your own Son but gave him up for us all, as the Scripture says, how will you not also with him graciously give us all things?
Please comfort. Please give hope. Please wrap your arms around my dear sister today as she mourns. May she share abundantly in the grace, love, and comfort that only you can provide
Your Word says that you comfort us in our affliction. We call upon you to fulfill that promise – not that my grieving friend here would no longer grieve or no longer miss [decedent’s name], but that in this sorrow she would be comforted by you. If your hand give it, and if we know that you have promised to do so, then we also know that the comfort you provide will be good, and true, and sure
Father in heaven, your Word is sufficient for our every need. Right now, my dear friend needs comfort. Here is our prayer; please make these truths a reality in our lives
Lord, thank you that you have compassion for us. Your Word says that your compassion is according to the abundance of your steadfast love. You loved us so much that you sent your only Son to die for us, for our sins, so that we – by faith in his name – might live before you. That’s a lot of love!
You hold time within your hands, and see it all, from beginning to end. Please keep and carry these precious people in their sadness and loss. Cover them with your great wings of love, give their weary hearts rest and their minds sound sleep. Lord, lift their eyes so that they may catch a glimpse of eternity, and be comforted by the promise of heaven.
We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus.Amen
I ask that you would bear her burden and relieve her from her labors. I also ask that you provide what you have promised, which is rest for her soul
Bless those who mourn, eternal God, with the comfort of your love that they may face each new day with hope and the certainty that nothing can destroy the good that has been given. May their memories become joyful, their days enriched with friendship, and their lives encircled by your love.
For Those Who Mourn
O Lord, we call upon You in our time of sorrow, that You give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life’s hardships.
Keep us ever in Your watch, till we can walk again with light hearts and renewed spirits.
Overcoming Life’s Hardships
Those who are worn out and crushed by this mourning, let your hearts consider this:
this is the path that has existed from the time of creation and will exist forever.
Many have drunk from it and many will yet drink.
As was the first meal, so shall be the last.
May the master of comfort comfort you.
Blessed are those who comforts the mourners.Jewish Blessing of the Mourners
May the sweet light of change shine in the darkness,
May the first breath of each morning begin life again,
May the memories unfold as prayers for life,
May the love continue to fill the silence.Condolences
As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now are apart of us; as we remember them.
God of love and mercy,
embrace all those
whose hearts today
overflow with grief,
unanswered questions
and such a sense of loss.
Grant them space
to express their tears.
Hold them close
through the coming days.Jewish Prayer
Oh, only for so short a while you
have loaned us to each other,
because we take form in your act of drawing us,
and we take life in your painting us,
and we breathe in your singing us.But only for so short a while
have you loaned us to each other.
Because even a drawing cut in obsidian fades,
and the green feathers, the crown feathers,
of the Quetzal bird lose their color,
and even the sounds of the waterfall
die out in the dry season.So, we too, because only for a short while
have you loaned us to each other.
Only For a Short While
Bless those who mourn, eternal God,
with the comfort of your love
that they may face each new day with hope
and the certainty that nothing can destroy
the good that has been given.May their memories become joyful,
their days enriched with friendship,
and their lives encircled by your love.Prayers of Our Heart
Embrace in your loving arms
all who are grieving the loss
of family and loved ones
through tragic circumstances;
where lives are in turmoil,
hope turns to despair
and pain is all that’s felt.
Be with them in their sorrow,
uphold them with your strength,
and through the generosity
of love shown by othersv and your presence within their hearts
may they know they are not alone,
in their struggle through today.
For all those who woke this morning
to the loneliness of bereavement –
the empty bed or chair,
an unaccustomed quietness,
a life now incomplete –
may they know your presence
in the stillness of the day,
and through the love of friends
who offer their condolence.
And in the darker moments
may they reach out to hold your hand
and feel the warmth of the One
who has already passed from death to life
to welcome others into God’s Kingdom
We pray for all whose lives
have been touched by tragedy,
whether by accident
or a deliberate act.
For those who mourn,
immerse them in your love
and lead them through this darkness
into your arms, and light.
For those who comfort,
be in both the words they use
and all that’s left unspoken;
fill each heart with love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
whose own suffering brought us life,
here and for eternity.Amen
Thank you for the lives
of all those loved ones
who, whilst no longer
walking beside us
or holding our hand
along life’s journey
as once they did, live on
in the collective memory
of those they have left behind.
Enjoy their company, Loving God
until we shall meet againAmen
You are a gentle savior, and you are lowly in heart. That’s exactly what my sweet friend needs right now. She has been brought low, and needs a gentle friend to lighten the load. I pray that you would do that for her, so that she may find rest even as she mourns
Jesus, please be with my friend reading this prayer. You know every wound, every joy, every fear, every dream. Heal old wounds. Heal new wounds. Rejoice alongside. Alleviate every haunting fear. Fulfill God-sized dreams in Your timing (and help us be patient in the waiting). Help us all to see the power of Your resurrection this month. Give us eyes to see where new life springs in our hearts. Rejuvenate when we’re weak. We need You Jesus.
Amen
God of love, may I come quickly to thee, when I am in need of protection and sympathy.
Guard me against sorrow that is drawn from the imagination.
May I not allow grief to drag me into misery, but with strength and courage may I find happiness in thy daily will.Amen
Comfort me with Your love O God
Wrap me up in Your strong embrace
Shelter me from the storm O Lord
Envelop me in Your tender care
By day I pour out my heartbreak to You
By night I give you my racing thoughtsIn You I take refuge
In You I will not be afraid
For you hold me strong, You hold me safeCalm my fearful heart O God
Still my anxious mind O LordFor all my life is found in You
All my being is given to You
All my hope begins in You
I commend you, to almighty God, and entrust you to your Creator.
May you rest in the arms of the Lord who formed you from the dust of the earth.
May holy Mary, the angels and all the saints welcome you now that you have gone forth from this life.
May Christ who was crucified for you, bring you freedom and peace.
May Christ who died for you admit you into his garden of paradise.
May Christ, the true Shepherd, embrace you as one of his flock.
May he forgive all your sins, and set you among those he has chosen.
May you see your Redeemer face to face, and enjoy the vision of God, forever.
My heart is broken, my mind exhausted. I cry out to you and hardly know what to ask. All I can do is tell you how I feel and ask you to “keep track of all my sorrows… collect all my tears in your bottle… and record each one in your book” as I pour them out to you (Psalm 56:8)
Amen
Jesus, You told Your followers, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well… Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives” (John 14:1, 27).
I need Your peace. I need “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” to guard my heart and mind (Philippians 4:7).
I need peaceful sleep. I ask for peaceful thoughts and emotions to rule my days and nights.Amen
In her grief, may you bless and keep her. As she mourns, may you make your face to shine upon her and be gracious to her. In her sorrows, may you lift up your countenance upon her, and give her peace
So we weep together. Jesus himself wept at death; it is no shame. It is right to grieve and mourn and be sorrowed when a loved one dies. We ask of you, Father, that you would be with us all as we mourn. Show us a special grace as we seek to comfort one another with the hope we have in the resurrection of Jesus
Dear Lord, you’ve told us to rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Today we are here, sadly, for the latter. Our sister in Christ is brokenhearted over the death of her [husband/mother/friend/etc], and our hearts break with hers. As part of the church – your body – we are all wounded at the loss of a beloved member
O God of all-sufficient grace, we look to you in this time of sorrow. You tell us to call upon you in the day of trouble because you will answer and deliver so that we may glorify you.* From our vantage point, we may not see how this death and this grief glorifies you
Our Father in heaven, we come before you weighed down with grief. I’m grieving alongside my friend at this great loss. I know that, as Psalm 9 talks about, she is feeling oppressed and forsaken, steeped in trouble and in need of a stronghold
O Lord, we know that your hand is sovereign over all things. It is you who determines our end from our beginning, and it is you who sets the span of our days. Even so, it is you who comforts us in our troubles
Hear our prayer, for the need is great. When we are weak, you are strong. Be glorified in our lives as we mourn, yet walk in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Oh Lord, Be our stronghold. Protect my friend from despair, shield her from oppression, grant her comfort in the midst of her grief. Thank you that you are her shield, her strong tower, her stronghold. We lay these troubles before you in faith, and trust that you will protect and save
May you bless them with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that they would grieve deeply yet with hope. May you show them the love of God, that their souls would be comforted in your fatherly arms. And may you surround them with the fellowship of your Holy Spirit, that their loneliness would be tempered as your body, the church, and your Spirit minister to them and support them in this trying hour
Your promises are full of life. As my friend mourns this death, what she needs more than anything is your abundant life. Provide comfort in her affliction by helping her to meditate on your promises
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid
O sweet mother Mary,
who knew the sadness of mourning those your heart loved most,
Jesus, your Son,
and Joseph, your devoted spouse,Pray for us in our time of loss.
Amen
O Lord, you are the God of life. You have created all things for your glory, and though the world is fallen and broken, you sent your Son to heal, redeem, and restore. That work has begun, and while we await its completion, we mourn
Recap
Being present with someone is one of the best ways to console them. There is no need for you to speak. Don’t handle your friend rudely or as if they are easily agitated or broken. Simply act normally towards them while being considerate of what they are going through right now.
The best approach to show condolences for the loss of a loved one is to pray beside your mourning companion. You can send a condolence note for the funeral, a sympathy card, or a consoling gift to let them know you are thinking of them if the timing is not perfect for you to pray together.
Also Read: The Lord Is My Shepherd
