Prayer Journey —Christmas Loss

Laughter and joy

Around the table

Opened boxes

Opened smiles

Crumpled wrap

Upon the floor

Silent house

Barren tree

Now empty chairs

Of those who passed

Vacant address

Empty box

Memories remain

Under the tree

A gift given

Long ago

This morning Lord I pray for those who will experience a first Christmas without a loved one. May they find comfort in you dear Lord and in those who gather with them. I pray your peace would envelope them in their grief. In my tears, as I miss my loved ones, I pray they would know there is shared grief — that they would know they are not alone. May they feel your presence dear Lord in a powerful way. May we find strength for the new year in you dear Lord. Birth within us a deeper faith. In the midst of our tears may we celebrate the eternal hope born in a humble stable. May we sing a new song of praise.

I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the LORD. – Psalm 40:1-3 (NASB)