Prayer Of Comfort For A Dying Mother

Prayers for Death and Dying

Prayer Of Comfort For A Dying Mother

“The Christian meaning of death is revealed in the light of the Paschal Mystery of the Death and Resurrection of Christ in whom resides our only hope. The Christian who dies in Christ Jesus is 'away from the body and at home with the Lord' (2 Cor 5:8).”
– Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1681

Prayers with the Dying

The following prayers may be recited with the dying person, alternating with times of silence. Sometimes, the same prayer should be repeated many times. The Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be are also appropriate. The dying person may be signed on the forehead with the cross, as was done at Baptism.

Short Texts

  • What will separate us from the love of Christ? (Rom 8:35)
  • Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. (Rom 14:8)
  • We shall always be with the Lord. (1 Thes 4:17)
  • To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. (Ps 25:1)
  • Though I should walk in the valley of the shadow of death, no evil would I fear, for you are with me. (Ps 23:4)
  • Into your hands I commend my spirit. (Ps 31:6a)
  • Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. (Lk 23:42)
  • Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. (Acts 7:59)
  • Holy Mary, pray for me.Saint Joseph, pray for me.Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.

Scripture Readings

Among many appropriate Scripture readings are the following:

Those gathered might take turns reading these passages from the family Bible.

Prayer of Commendation

As the time of death approaches, this prayer may be said.

Go forth, Christian soul, from this worldin the name of God the almighty Father,who created you,in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,who suffered for you,in the name of the Holy Spirit,who was poured out upon you,

go forth, faithful Christian.

May you live in peace this day,may your home be with God in Zion,with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God,

with Joseph, and all the Angels and Saints.

Prayer for the Dead

In your hands, O Lord,we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters.In this life you embraced them with your tender love;deliver them now from every evil

and bid them eternal rest.

The old order has passed away:welcome them into paradise,where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain,but fullness of peace and joywith your Son and the Holy Spiritforever and ever.

R/. Amen.

Prayers Immediately after Death

The following prayers may be recited immediately after death and may be repeated in the hours that follow.

Saints of God, come to his/her aid!
Come to meet him/her, Angels of the Lord!

R/. Receive his/her soul and present him/her to God the Most High.

May Christ, who called you, take you to himself;
may Angels lead you to Abraham's side. R/.

Give him/her eternal rest, O Lord,
and may your light shine on him/her forever. R/.

Let us pray.All-powerful and merciful God,we commend to you N., your servant.In your mercy and love,blot out the sins he/she has committedthrough human weakness.In this world he/she has died:let him/her live with you forever.Through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.

These verses may also be used.

V/. Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord.
R/. And let perpetual light shine upon him/her.V/. May he/she rest in peace.

R/. Amen.

V/. May his/her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,through the mercy of God,rest in peace.

R/. Amen.

Gathering in the Presence of the Body

When the family first gathers around the body, before or after it is prepared for burial, all or some of the following prayers may be used. It is most fitting that, where possible, family members take part in preparing the body for burial.

All make the Sign of the Cross. Then one member of the family reads:

My brothers and sisters, Jesus says:”Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened,and I will give you rest.Shoulder my yoke and learn from me,for I am gentle and humble in heart,and you will find rest for your souls.

Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.”

The body may then be sprinkled with holy water:

The Lord God lives in his holy temple yet abides in our midst.Since in Baptism, N. became God's templeand the Spirit of God lived in him/her,

with reverence we bless his/her mortal body.

Then one member of the family may say:

With God there is mercy and fullness of redemption;
let us pray as Jesus taught us:

Our Father…

Then this prayer is said:

Into your hands, O Lord,we humbly entrust our brother/sister N.In this life you embraced him/her with your tender love;deliver him/her now from every evil

and bid him/her enter eternal rest.

The old order has passed away:welcome him/her then into paradise,where there will be no sorrow, no weeping nor pain,but the fullness of peace and joywith your Son and the Holy Spiritforever and ever.

R/. Amen.

All may sign the forehead of the deceased with the Sign of the Cross. One member of the family says:

Blessed are those who have died in the Lord;let them rest from their labors

for their good deeds go with them.

V/. Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord.
R/. And let perpetual light shine upon him/her.V/. May he/she rest in peace.

R/. Amen.

V/. May his/her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,through the mercy of God,rest in peace.

R/. Amen.

All make the Sign of the Cross as one member of the family says:

May the love of God and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christbless and console usand gently wipe every tear from our eyes:in the name of the Father,and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

R/. Amen.

Prayers for Mourners

  • Lord God,you are attentive to the voice of our pleading.Let us find in your Soncomfort in our sadness,certainty in our doubt,and courage to live through this hour.Make our faith strongthrough Christ our Lord.R/. Amen.
  • Lord,N. is gone now from this earthly dwelling,and has left behind those who mourn his/her absence.Grant that we may hold his/her memory dear,never bitter for what we have lostnor in regret for the past,but always in hope of the eternal Kingdomwhere you will bring us together again.Through Christ our Lord.R/. Amen.
  • May the love of God and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christbless and console usand gently wipe every tear from our eyes:in the name of the Father,and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.R/. Amen.

For those who mourn the death of a child:

  • O Lord, whose ways are beyond understanding,listen to the prayers of your faithful people:that those weighed down by griefat the loss of this little childmay find reassurance in your infinite goodness.Through Christ our Lord.R/.  Amen.

Prayers at Graveside

  • Lord Jesus Christ,by your own three days in the tomb,you hallowed the graves of all who believe in youand so made the grave a sign of hopethat promises resurrectioneven as it claims our mortal bodies.Grant that our brother/sister, N., may sleep here in peaceuntil you awaken him/her to glory,for you are the resurrection and the life.Then he/she will see you face to faceand in your light will see lightand know the splendor of God,for you live and reign forever and ever.R/. Amen.
  • O God,by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest,send your holy Angel to watch over this grave.Through Christ our Lord.R/. Amen.

Prayers for Death and Grieving from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, © 2007, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC.

Источник: //www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/bereavement-and-funerals/prayers-for-death-and-dying.cfm

10 Prayers for the Departed and Dearly Missed

Prayer Of Comfort For A Dying Mother

Death and dying are parts of life. While some people fear them, others draw inspiration from death.

As nurses, it’s inevitable for us to see some of our patients die and their families deeply grieve for them. Although we can’t bring back their loved ones, there are still ways for us to provide comfort, strength and guidance to the families our patients left behind.

Here are 10 powerful prayers for the departed.

For the recently deceased

In your hands, O Lord,we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters.In this life you embraced them with your tender love;deliver them now from every evil

and bid them eternal rest.

The old order has passed away:welcome them into paradise,where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain,but fullness of peace and joywith your Son and the Holy Spirit

forever and ever.

Amen.

Prayer for the souls in purgatory

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Prayer for deceased relatives and friends

Almighty Father, source of forgiveness and salvation, grant that our relatives and friends who have passed from this life may, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all the saints, come to share your Eternal happiness through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayers for the deceased for forgiveness and peace and for mourners

Lord Jesus, our Redeemer, You willingly gave Yourself up to death so that all people might be saved and pass from death into a new life. Listen to our prayers; look with love on Your people who mourn and pray for their dead brother/sister.

Lord Jesus, You alone are holy and compassionate; forgive our brother/sister his/her sins.
By dying You opened the gates of life for those who believe in You; do not let Your brother/sister be parted from You, but by Your glorious power give him/her light, joy, and peace in heaven where You live for ever and ever. Amen.

My brother (sister) in faith, I entrust you to God Who created you.May you return to the One Who formed you from the dust of this earth.May Mary, the angels, and all the saints come to meet you as you go forth from this life.

May Christ Who was crucified for you bring you freedom and peace.May Christ, the Son of God, Who died for you take you into His kingdom.May Christ, the Good Shepherd, give you a place within His flock.May He forgive your sins and keep you among His people.

May you see your Redeemer face to face and enjoy the sight of God forever. Amen.

I commend you, my dear [name] 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.

Prayer for unexpected death

Heavenly Father we know and believe that our times are in Your hands, but Lord it’s so often such a shock to us when a dear loved one meets with a sudden or unexpected death – through an accident or perhaps due to some unforeseen tragedy, which takes the life of someone they loved – long before it would be expected.

Lord, we bring before You today those who are having to go through such a tragic loss and pray that You would be very close to each one that is in mourning today over such a loss – and are perhaps confused or even angry that such a devastating occurrence has overtaken them – without any apparent warning.

You are the God of all comfort Who comforts us in time of need and we pray that for those that are facing such a difficult trial today. Uphold them we pray, and ask that You draw very close to them … raise up we pray, the right people to minister to them and to be a genuine comfort and support at this time of tragedy and grief.

Lord, we don’t understand why our loved ones should suddenly be removed from us through a sudden, unexpected death – but Lord we trust You to soothe away the hurt in time – for shall not the God of all the earth do right…. In Jesus name, we pray,

Amen.

Prayer for deceased parents

O God, Who has commanded usto honor our father and mother,have compassion in Thy mercy,on the souls of my father and mother;forgive them their sins,and grant that I may see themin the joy of eternal brightness.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer after violent death

Father, we bring before You those that have had the devastating experience of having someone close to them that they know and love, suffer a sudden, violent and needless death. Lord how we grieve for those that are having to experience this right now, and we pray that in Your grace You would look down with pity and mercy and meet them right at their point of need.

Lord, You are the one Who was sent to heal the broken-hearted and comfort those that mourn and are heavy-laden.

You are the One Who promised that Your grace is sufficient for every eventuality – even for those having to face the sudden and violent death of someone close to them.

Draw near to them we pray and lift them up into You arms of love and carry them during this time of suffering and grief for You have promised that underneath are Your everlasting arms.

Lord, as we lift up in prayer those that are having to come to terms with the sudden and violent death of a loved one – we pray that You would use this tragedy to be the thing that starts to draw each suffering soul into the tender arms of their Saviour – the Lord Jesus Christ, in Whose name we pray,

Amen.

Prayer for a deceased brother, relative or friend

You are, O God,quick to pardon and desire man’s salvation.In Your goodness we ask You to grant our deceased brothers,relatives, and friends everlasting happiness.With the help of Blessed Mary ever Virginand all Your saints,

we ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer to say on the day of a person’s death

O God, Whose property is always to have mercy and to spare, we humbly beseech Thee for the soul of Thy servant N…, which Thou hast this day commanded to depart this world, that Thou wouldst not deliver it into the hands of the enemy, nor forget it unto the end, but wouldst command it to be received by the Holy Angels, and conducted to Paradise, its true country; that as in Thee it hath hoped and believed, it may not suffer the pains of hell, but may take possession of eternal joys.
Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

See Also: 10 Inspiring Songs To Help With Grief 

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Sympathy Poems For Comfort In Time Of Need

Prayer Of Comfort For A Dying Mother

Sympathy poems, including funeral, memorial, bereavement and condolence poems. Also a deceased father poem and a poem for a deceased mother. These sympathy messages are suitable for cards, programs, headstones, or to accompany a sympathy gift.

Just Call On MeI can’t comprehend just how sad you must feelFor the loss of someone you love.This sorrowful time must still feel unrealAnd you’re looking for strength from above.

I hope, from my heart, that your pain will decrease,That your spirit will gain strength again,And I pray that your faith will create inner peaceAnd that God will send blessings–Amen.Till then, if you need me to lighten your load,I’m waiting to come to your aid.

Just call on me, and I’ll walk down that road,Until the dark times start to fade.

Deep condolences,

By Karl Fuchs

Sympathy poems, which are also called condolence poems, can offer assistance to those in mourning, as this sympathy message does. This condolence message is perfect for a sympathy card or to go along with a sympathy gift.

Sending SympathyI’m so sorry to hear of your recent loss;I’m sending my sympathy;If you need someone to help you now,Please, friend, call on me.

By Joanna Fuchs

To view ALL our poem pages, see our SITE MAP

Sympathy poems are also called loss of a loved one poems. This condolence poem offering compassion and assistance goes on a sympathy card or with a sympathy gift.

Sympathy poems can be written for a specific purpose–as poems for a funeral, for example. This sympathy poem is a funeral poem designed for a funeral or memorial program. It is a bereavement poem, a condolence message, a death poem about the loss of a loved one.

After They Are GoneWhen someone we love passes away,We ache, but we go on;Our dear departed would want us to heal,After they are gone.

Grief is a normal way to mendThe anguish and pain in our hearts;We need time to remember and time to mourn,Before the recovery starts.

Let's draw together to recuperate,As we go through this period of sorrow;Let's help each other, with tender careTo find a brighter tomorrow.
By Joanna Fuchs

A subcategory of sympathy poems is memorial poems. This sympathy poem is a memorial poem expressing appreciation for the deceased, a death verse meant to be a condolence message.

If We Could Bring You Back AgainIf we could bring you back again,For one more hour or day,We’d express all our unspoken love;We’d have countless things to say.

If we could bring you back again,We’d say we treasured you,And that your presence in our livesMeant more than we ever knew.

If we could bring you back again,To tell you what we should,You’d know how much we miss you now,And if we could, we would.

By Joanna Fuchs

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Another subcategory of sympathy poems is bereavement poems. This sympathy poem is a bereavement poem that acknowledges the necessary process of mourning. This condolence poem could be used in a sympathy card or to accompany a sympathy gift. Needless to say, if the deceased is a man, use “he” instead of “she” in this sympathy message.

A Better PlaceShe’s in a better place right nowThan she’s ever been before;All pain is gone; she’s now at rest;Nothing troubles her anymore.It’s we who feel the burden ofOur sadness and our grief;.

We have to cry, to mourn our loss,Before we get relief.We know we’ll reconnect with herAt the end of each life’s road;We’ll see her cherished face againWhen we release our earthly load.

By Joanna Fuchs

This sympathy poem lets the bereaved know they are not alone. It's a condolence message of support.

You Are in Our ThoughtsYou are in our thoughtsas you find your way though this.We are praying for your healing,with the passage of time.We know you miss him/her;we send our understandingand consolation.Know that the strain, the pain,will eventually ease.May your pleasant memoriessustain and comfort you.You are in our thoughts.

By Joanna Fuchs

This sympathy poem offers caring, concern and help in a condolence message. It's a sympathy verse sure to be appreciated.

No One Can KnowNo one can know just what you've lost;No one can understand the cost;But when you feel your energy drain,Please count on us to help ease your pain.Let us help you cope with grief;We hope with time you'll feel relief.We can't replace the one who's gone,But let our concern help you carry on.

By Karl and Joanna Fuchs

This free sympathy card poem, in free verse, could also be called a bereavement poem. It’s a sympathy verse, a condolence message that lets the bereaved know he or she is not alone.

We’re With YouWhen you miss him/her,we’re with you in spirit,wondering how you feel,hoping you’re coping,and getting a little better each day.We understand. We care.When you’re grieving,we’re beside you,in our hearts, in our thoughts,we’re sending you sympathy,encouragement, affection,and strength to carry on with life.He/she would want it that way.

By Joanna Fuchs

Sympathy poetry should make the recipient feel cared for. This free sympathy poem contains a condolence message—words of condolence that are heartfelt.

I’ll Always Be ThereYour loss is your whole world today;Your hurt feelings will not go away;If you’re needing a friend,On whom you’ll depend,Call me anytime, any day.I’m thinking of you, and I care;If you have feelings you’re wanting to share,Just give me a ring;We’ll discuss everything;When you need me, I’ll always be there.

By Joanna Fuchs

These kinds of sympathy verses, where the deceased is speaking to a love one still alive, are very popular. This sympathy poem is also a funeral poem that could be printed in a program.

If I Should Go Before YouIf I should go before you,I'll still be there with you,As every golden memoryGives comfort, to see you through.If I should go before you,You'll always have my love,And we'll be together again,We two, in heaven above.

By Joanna Fuchs

Poem For A Deceased Mother

There is a surprising number of searches for a Mother's Day poem for the deceased. This Mother's Day poem for a deceased mom also serves as a memorial mother poem, a eulogy poem, a written in memory of mother poem. We hope this loss of mother poem is comforting to you.

Mother’s Day Poem For A Deceased MotherMom, we miss you so very muchOn every Mother’s Day;And not just then, but every minute,Since you went away.You were the center of our livesBefore your soul passed on;It’s just so hard for us to believeThat you are really gone.

But we celebrate the life you livedAnd all the things you gave us;Our wonderful memories, Mom, of youAre the things that will comfort and save us.Please think of us, as we think of youWith hearts so full of love;We’re looking up at you, sweet Mom,As you look at us from above.

By Joanna Fuchs

Deceased Father Poem

Sympathy, condolence, bereavement, funeral, memorial, eulogy and grief poetry make up a huge category of demand for poems. There is a lot of interest in deceased father poems that can be used as eulogy poems. I want a poem about my fathers death, they say; please write a poem for the loss of a a father. Here it is, and I'm so sorry for your loss.

We Can’t Believe You’re GoneDad, our sadness knows no end;We can’t believe you’re gone;We’re grieving for you every day;It’s hard to carry on.You were always there to support and care,When we needed a true friend,How we’ll ever do without our dad,We cannot comprehend.

You were our teacher and our guide,Our dad, so good and strong;Your example will sustain us now,And last our whole lives long.We’re trying to communicate;We hope that you can hear;Expressing what we feel for you,Helps us feel you’re near.Our memories of the times we hadHelp the pain to go away.But Dad, our lives won’t be the same;We’ll miss you every day.

A part of us went with you;You left a gap too big to fill;You’re our father and our hero;We love you and we always will.

By Joanna Fuchs

Sympathy Prayer

There’s a real need for condolence prayers and bereavement prayers, in cards, to be read at funerals, to comfort the grief stricken, so here’s a sympathy poem and prayer for that purpose.

Sympathy prayerDear Lord, please comfort those in grief,Love them, lift them, give reliefFor loss they’ve suffered, sadness felt;Make this sorrow slowly melt.Lord, let happy memories ease,Creating peace a gentle breeze,And as you help them make it through.Draw them closer, Lord, to you.Sincere condolences on your loss.

By Joanna Fuchs

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check out this Web site.

Pet Sympathy Poem

Poems of sympathy for pets have big search numbers (especially for dogs). I wrote this pet sympathy poem to apply to the death of any pet. It's a very special condolence message.

Sweet PresenceToday I'm often thinking of you,And the loss of your special friend.Those who have never had a petCannot possibly comprehend.

A pet gives unconditional loveNothing else can quite replace;A sweet presence with its furry warmth,That lovable, one-of-a-kind face.

You gave your pet a happy life,With affection true and real;I'm hoping you'll recover soon,So your heart will mend and heal.

By Joanna Fuchs

More Poetry

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Thanks for reading our sympathy poems. These sympathy verses are free for use on personal greeting cards, provided that the author's name (Joanna Fuchs or Karl Fuchs) and our Web site address, www.poemsource.com, appear somewhere on the card. (It can be small print; just so it's readable.) All other uses require written permission. See our Terms of Use for details.

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A dying mother leaves “goodbye” cards for her daughter

Prayer Of Comfort For A Dying Mother

I loved my life. It was perfect. I was a 33-year-old wife to a wonderful husband and the mother of the most beautiful little girl in the world. I had a job that I absolutely loved. We had a modest, comfortable home. Seriously, for a girl from the old working-class Milwaukee suburb of West Allis, Wisconsin — “Stallis,” as we called it — I was living a dream.

But then, one evening, a bomb went off: I was lying in bed and felt a lump on my chest.

“What is that?” I exclaimed to Jeff as I popped my head up. Neither of us had ever noticed it. How long had it been there? I spent the rest of the night googling “lump on chest,” trying to find any link that didn’t have the word “cancer” in it.

I went to the doctor the next day; that’s when the wheels started to come off. I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. Less than four weeks later, I had a double mastectomy. I followed that with chemo for more than a year, but it didn’t work. The cancer had spread to my bones and liver. I was diagnosed as stage IV terminal, given two years at most to live.

When my oncologist told me that I was terminal, he bluntly warned me what I was in for. “It’ll be one heck of a roller coaster ride,” he said. “You’ll receive bad news after bad news after bad news. You just need to hang on tight for as long as you can.”

… And so, being the stubborn person I am, I decided if I ever had the chance to gain control over anything, I was going to seize it.

Creating memories

Long before I ever thought about buying greeting cards for Brianna, I put together some other mementos to help her remember me. It began with basic Shutterfly and Snapfish picture books loaded with photos of us together.

When I first started chemo, before I was certain where this cancer was going to take me, I rearranged my hours at work so I could have every Monday off to spend with Bri.

Those days became known as “Mommy Mondays,” and they lasted for more than a year, until she started preschool.

We filled every Monday with dance classes, gymnastics, a trip to the zoo, play dates, girl trips to water parks, movies, and salon days. We crammed in a ton of fun and captured a lot of it in photos.

Then I started producing videos. I sat on the couch by myself with microphone in hand, rambling into the camera about who I was and what I loved about Bri and how much I would miss her and yada yada yada.

I finally had to shout “Cut!” when even the camera looked bored.

I worried about how Bri would hear all kinds of wonderful and fantastic things from other people about her mom (I hope) but wouldn’t see that same vibrant woman on camera.

Photo Courtesy of SourcebookJeff, Brianna and Heather McManamy in their Wisconsin backyard with one of the cards Heather wrote for her young daughter.

So I refocused and decided to do more of a reality show.

With my friend’s sister and brother-in-law running camera and directing the production, we recorded Bri and me doing everyday things around the house: playing dolls, watching football, making dinner, reading, or just talking about funny or interesting things that happened during our days together. Nothing super exciting, but real-life videos that show the interaction and love between the two of us …

I soon moved on to voice recordings, all very random ones. I recorded myself reading some of her favorite books, and I sang songs to her, including one I sang when she was a baby called “Good Night to You” that I made up to the tune of “Happy Birthday.

” I can’t sing well—I’m awful, in fact—but I could create spur-of-the-moment lullabies with the best of them when my crying baby wouldn’t sleep. Of course, I recorded the period talk and the sex talk for later in life. I also did some mini interviews with her.

We talked about her first day of preschool and the trip we took to Disney World when she was three …

Of course, I’ve [also] earmarked some of my personal possessions for Bri, such as jewelry, a journal I kept when I was pregnant, and piles of notebooks we both scribbled in over the past couple years. Everything I’ve left for her, from these possessions to the videos to the audio recordings, is in Jeff’s care. It’s completely his call as to if or when she will see any of it.

That also includes the famous greeting cards.

Words from the heart

I started by buying roughly 40 of them. It’s now up to about 70. I got some for Jeff for future special occasions in his life. I also got a few for friends that Jeff will give out when I die, pretty much thanking them for being such great friends and maybe getting in a final zinger (that’s how you get the last word). But the vast majority of the cards are for Bri.

My experience writing messages to her in the cards was most everything else in life that’s difficult to do: the anticipation of doing it was far worse than actually doing it. I didn’t buy the cards, come home, and joyfully fill them out.

I bought them, came home, stared at them for a long time wondering why I had bought them and how in the world I thought I was going to emotionally get through them, and then I put them away for weeks. I couldn’t get myself to write in a single one.

Part of it was the finality of each one. How do I wish my daughter a happy birthday when I know I won’t be here for it? Part of it too was worrying about how she would react when she got a card.

What do I say in a wedding card when I have no idea who she will be two or three or however many decades from now, or if I will even matter to her?

I tried to push myself past that obstacle by shifting my mind-set from fear and doubt to Bri’s potential perspective of wonderment and excitement when she receives one of the cards. I envisioned her on her wedding day, sitting alone in her beautiful gown in a quiet room, reflecting on life and the ceremony about to take place.

Her father walks in with a big, warm smile. He gives her a giant hug and tells her how proud he is of her and how extremely proud her mother would be. It’s a warm, touching moment between father and daughter. Jeff then reaches into the breast of his tux and pulls out my card. It says “Brianna” on it in my handwriting.

He hands it to Bri … and she explodes at him! Just seeing the card makes her bawl uncontrollably minutes before she’s supposed to walk down the aisle. The tears cause her once-perfect makeup to stream down her face and drip onto her dress.

She screams at Jeff, “How can you do this to me?” as she slams the unopened card to the floor, stomps on it, breaks a heel, and storms out …

Stop! Just stop!

That’s what I had to keep telling myself throughout this process as my mind wandered to fictional worst-case scenarios. I wrestled with so many emotions as I wrote these cards, especially fear and doubt.

Would each card add joy to Bri’s life or interrupt it? Would the cards make her happy, sad, angry? With Jeff as the keeper of the cards and knowing he would use his best judgment as to whether he should give her a particular one, I continually convinced myself the potential good far outweighed any potential bad.

Imagine receiving a card from the person who loved you more than life itself, years after that person was gone. Could there be a better gift? I knew I needed to do this.

I pulled the huge stack of cards from a drawer and got comfortable on Bri’s bed one day when she was at school, and I started writing.

My notes weren’t long, except for the wedding day one, which required extra paper for me to say how much I hoped it was the most glorious day of her life. I didn’t worry about my words sounding poetic or profound.

I just spoke from the heart and said what I would say if I were handing them to her myself. Hours went by as I completely immersed myself in the moment. Most of the doubts I had about what I was doing gradually faded with each one.

It was some of the best therapy I’d ever put myself through. I felt a sense of freedom and comfort knowing that even though I was dying, I would be able to speak to my daughter long after I was gone. And, more important, Bri would be able to hear her mother’s voice.

Signing off

The only doubt that really stuck with each card was “Who will I be to her when she reads this?” I didn’t know how to sign some of them.

Would I still be “Mom” to her? If Jeff remarries, will his new wife be “Mom,” demoting me to “Heather” or “That Woman Who Gave Birth to Me?” If she has a new mom, would I be overstepping my bounds by signing “Mom” or by giving her a card at all? Thoughts that prompted several spontaneous sobfests.

Understand that the thought of wondering if I’d still be “Mom” or not wasn’t a negative thing, just a complicated one. To me, for Bri to have a new mom to take care of her would be the best-case scenario.

I would honestly be thrilled if that happens! I want to be demoted! But still being here now, trying to figure out how to refer to myself years into the future when I’ve been gone for a long while and Bri has a new mom, was what I would call “bittersweet joy.” A very complicated bittersweet joy.

But, all the other wild emotions I’ve experienced through this disease, I just sat with them. I held the card in my lap and the pen in my hand, cried it out until the emotions passed, and then started writing again.

As difficult as each card was to write, the experience was absolutely worth it.

I hope she enjoys the videos and audio recordings and items I made or left for her, but I can’t imagine anything will have a stronger impact than a handwritten personal message from me on her special day or in a moment when she could use her mother’s love.

It won’t be a hug or a kiss or a face-to-face talk, but it’s the best I can do. And if she doesn’t want a particular card, or any of them, that’s perfectly fine. They are there for her if she wants or needs them. Just knowing they exist may be therapeutic enough for her.

Cards for Brianna is available on Amazon.

Источник: //aleteia.org/2017/05/22/a-dying-mother-leaves-goodbye-cards-for-her-daughter/

A Prayer for a Broken Heart

Prayer Of Comfort For A Dying Mother

  • Cortney Whiting
  • 2017Nov 14

As I browse the checkout line at the grocery store, I notice the covers of the magazines. The decorated tables, beautiful homes, and smiling models. They are pictures of perfection. Yet, adjacent to these are the gossip tabloids, exploiting the misery and pain of others. The photographs are raw. Within the space of a few inches is a dichotomy that reflects how our world can turn on a dime.

Since sin entered the world, creation has suffered its consequences. Distrust, discomfort, and death were not original to Eden. Yet, because of sin, we live with brokenness. We suffer injustice by the hands of others. We experience the consequence of our own transgressions.

But by God’s grace, we can experience healing. Sometimes, we set limits on how God heals. We picture Jesus healing a blind man or a sick woman. Yet, these actions were signs to point to his authority. God sent the Wounded Healer to restore the brokenhearted back to himself.

Psalm 34:18 states that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. Having personally experienced the repercussions of this fallen world, I find solace in this verse. We are not abandoned in times of strife. Our Heavenly Father sees and responds to our pain.

We see this in the story of Hagar, the Egyptian slave, in Genesis 16 and 21. Though cast aside by her mistress and left to die, the Lord continued to see and provide for her and her child. She responds by giving him the name, “The God who sees.

” Psalm 147 praises God for his ability to heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.

In Isaiah 61:1, God promises to bind up the brokenhearted. This was the verse Jesus proclaimed in the synagogue at the beginning of his ministry.

We sometimes confuse this promise with immediate healing and when we continue to feel pangs of sorrow, our faith wanes. His purpose was to bind up a world that had been broken by sin.

The concept of binding implies that he will wrap us tightly in his loving presence and hold us, making it so we can carry on.

When Jesus entered the world, he experienced the same grief and brokenness caused by sin that we experience today. He suffered and endured rejection, humiliation, hunger, temptation, sorrow, and betrayal. Yet, through his death and resurrection, he overcame the world by conquering sin and death.

Through his resurrection, we have victory over the darkness. By his stripes, we are healed. We have the hope to carry on because we are more than conquerors in Christ because nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:37-39).

It is this truth that we must cling to in times of crisis and heartbreak.

Before his crucifixion, Jesus predicted the heartbreak his disciples will experience (John 16). Even in his prediction was hope. This hope came through the promise of the Spirit. Through the Spirit, the disciples would be able to experience the fullness of God and a joy previously unknown. But it was by pathway of sorrow that the intimacy of rejoicing would follow.

Jesus promised the Spirit would help, comfort, convict, and guide believers in their ministry after he was gone. Before the resurrection and the Holy Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost, the disciples deserted Jesus, fled for their lives, and were living in fear.

After the resurrection and at through the Spirit, the disciples spread the gospel message and made way for the Church to make a lasting impact for thousands of years.

Perhaps healing should not be gauged by restoration of physical property or life, but rather a renewal of our intimacy with our Creator and Sustainer God. We were created to be at peace with God and with others. Sin has broken our ability to obtain that in and of ourselves.

Yet, through Christ, God has graciously given us an opportunity to receive healing to our delicate hearts in a broken world.

By Christ’s parting gift of His Spirit, we are comforted in the most trying times and are given the divine strength to live another day in the joy that only God can give.

A Prayer for a Broken Heart:

Lord, my heart is so heavy this morning. My sorrow is so great. In the midst of all this pain I am feeling, I am so thankful that you are God and I am not. I am thankful that you are all-powerful, that I do not have to hold it all together or be strong for everyone in my life.

You are my strength. You are strong for my loved-ones when I can’t be. I am thankful you are all-knowing – that you know the outcome to this misery I am facing. That I don’t have to figure out what the next week or month or year looks , because you have it all held together.

And you promise my feet won’t slip. Help me, Lord! Strengthen me for today. Give me daily bread, that I can be sustained through this heartache. Thank you God that you are close when I am hurting. Thank you God for the comfort, grace and joy that only you can give. Hold me up today.

In your name I pray, Amen.

A Short Prayer for a Broken Heart 

Lord, please heal my broken heart. Fill me with the peace and joy I know can only come from You during this hard time. Walk closely beside me during my journey to healing and recovery that I know is possible through Your power alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

A Daily Morning Prayer
A Prayer for When You're Overwhelmed by Fear
A Prayer for a Broken Heart
A Prayer for Worry
A Prayer for First Thing in the Morning

A Prayer for When You Don't Know What to Do

Cortney is a wife and mother of two wonderfully energetic children. She received her Masters of Theology Degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. After serving in the church for nearly 15 years, Cortney currently serves as a lay-leader and writes for various Christian ministries. You can find her at www.unveilinggraces.blogspot.com.

Источник: //www.ibelieve.com/faith/a-prayer-for-a-broken-heart.html

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