Poems and Prayers After the Death of a Loved One

Prayers and poetry go hand in hand. For thousands of years, the bible has been a source of both. When experiencing the loss of a loved one, it can be hard to put anything into words, and we might not know how to pray if we are practicing a religion. If we have family and friends checking in on us, sometimes knowing how to respond to the simple question, “How are you?” is a challenging task. We might say, “Fine,” when things aren’t, or say, “I don’t know,” because everything we are feeling in grief is indescribable. Thankfully, we have poems and prayers we would like to share with you to help you find comfort during this difficult time. Grief is different for everyone, but we all experience it in some form.

Poems After the Death of a Loved One

Poetry speaks to our souls. It is how we confess, communicate, feel, and express. Poetry helps us describe what we see below the surface in the mirror. It can also pay tribute to our loved ones who have passed away. Enjoy, ponder, reflect, or express yourself through the use of the following poems.

“Poem (To F.S.)” by Langston Hughes

I loved my friend.

He went away from me.

There’s nothing more to say.

The poem ends,

Soft as it began,—

I loved my friend.

More grief poems can be found in this link. There are also comforting funeral poems you can find in this link.

Prayers After the Death of a Loved One

Praying after your loved one passes away is critical. We understand not everyone is Christian, but verses and prayers can still offer solace or help express the terrible grief you are undergoing while honoring your loved one through their impact. Allow yourself to ponder, reflect, cry, or breathe when you read the following.

• Psalm 6:7-8: “I am wearied with sighing; all night long I drench my bed with tears; I soak my couch with weeping.”
• Psalm 31:10: “Be gracious to me, LORD, for I am in distress; affliction is wearing down my eyes, my throat and my insides.”
• Psalm 34:19: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.”
• Psalm 119:28: “My soul is depressed; lift me up according to your word.”
• 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.”
• John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
• Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.”
• In times of overwhelming grief: “In the depths of my pain and sorrow, I come to You, Lord, seeking Your presence and comfort. My heart is broken, and the grief I feel is overwhelming. I cannot fully comprehend the extent of this loss, and I struggle to make sense of it all.”

The best prayer you can say or offer is one of your own. God listens, even if you have nothing to say or a multitude of complaints. Your prayer will be heard and it may be answered unexpectedly.

Catholic Prayers

If you’re Catholic, praying for your deceased loved ones is a wonderful practice. This is the last right thing you can do for them because it helps get them to Heaven faster. It is selfless, as all the souls of Purgatory are praying for us. Here is a short prayer.

English

V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

R. And let the perpetual light shine upon them.

And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Latine

V. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine.

R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis.

Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. Amen.

It can also be said after meals to give thanks. Here is that prayer below:

“We give thee thanks for all thy gifts, O almighty God, who livest and reignest forever.

And may all the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

Bakken-Young Offers Grief Support Services

Living. Loving. Remembering.

We want to help you remember and honor your loved one. We also want to support you in every way possible during this difficult grieving time. That’s why we offer free resources for grief. These range from grief groups to free webinars or social events to meet others in this supportive and loving community. Whatever you are looking for or don’t know what you need, we will accommodate and help you. We are here for you. Contact us today.

For more inspiration and solace from poems and prayers, check out our other blog at this link.