A Prayer about Brokenhearted Friends
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted. (Isa. 61:1)
Dear Jesus, I’m numb with sadness for a few friends this morning. I’m not sure what to do for them, but I do know I haven’t done enough until I’ve prayed. The Father sent you to bind up the brokenhearted, and that’s why I come to you. You are meek and gentle of heart, and yet you have the power to keep the planets in orbit and the authority to command sea creatures to dance. Your mercy and your might are my great hope.
I pray for my friend who just lost a job. She’s sixty four, a widow, and undone. The betrayal she feels is so deep. The uncertainty of where to go next is paralyzing. Her family offers no solace. She loves you so much, Jesus, yet this has rocked her world. By your Spirit, bring the peace you alone can give. Help us, as a community, to know how to come around her. Far more than I worry for her financial needs, I’m concerned about the pain of betrayal. Help us to know what to say and what not to say, Jesus. Bring your tear-wiping hand to bear through us.
I pray for the couple who just miscarried for the third time. This story is one of the hard ones to accept in this broken world of ours, Jesus. It just doesn’t make sense. With all the abortions and abandoned children, it’s hard to understand this heart-crushing providence. Jesus, I cannot imagine a better home for children to grown up in— help me know how to pray and to love well in the confusion. I’ve got theological categories, but I don’t have much emotional currency right now. Help me love my friends with the kindness you alone can give. Help me resist trying to explain anything.
In such heartbreaking situations, give freedom for tears, space for grief, room for anger. I praise you that the gospel alone offers such gifts when we walk through these things together. You give and you take away—blessed is your name, O Lord Jesus.
Amen.