When Grief Runs Deep

I’ve been walking with women who have just lost a loved one to cancer. I sat down to reflect (as I’m an internal processor). And this is what came…

🕊️ Listening Prayer Process:

For the one who has lost someone to cancer

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
—Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

🌿 1: Quiet

Find a quiet place. Take a deep breath. Light a candle or hold something meaningful—something that reminds you of your loved one. Whisper a simple prayer:

“Jesus, I don’t even know what to say. But I invite You into this space with me. I need You. I miss them. Help me to hear You, even in my pain.”

Let the silence linger. Let your body rest.

💔 2: Honest

“Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.” —Psalm 62:8 (NLT)

Speak or journal honestly:

What do you miss most?
What questions do you have?
What still hurts?
What are you afraid to say out loud?

Prompt:
“Jesus, here is what I’m carrying…”
(Pour it out—grief, anger, confusion, memories, love.)

Then pause. What do you sense He wants to say in return?

✨ 3: Remember

Close your eyes and invite Jesus to take you to a memory with your loved one.

Prompt:
“Jesus, show me one moment with them that You want to sit in with me today.”
Let yourself feel. See what rises to the surface.

Then ask:
“Where were You in that memory?”
Watch. Listen. Let Him speak into it.

🕯️ 4: Invite

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me.”
—Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

You may have unspoken questions—about healing, about timing, about why.

Prompt:
“Jesus, I don’t understand… Can You help me see just a little bit of Your heart?”

Wait quietly. He may speak with a word, a picture, a feeling, or peace. Let Him answer in His way.

🌸 5: Listen

Ask Jesus:
“What is Your heart toward me today in my grief?”
“What is Your heart toward my loved one now?”
Write down anything He shows you. Don’t filter it—just receive.

🌈 6: Rest

Let yourself just be. No fixing. No pressure. Just Him and you.

Whisper:
“Thank You for sitting with me, Jesus. I don’t need all the answers. I just need to know You’re near.”

Feel free to cry. Or smile. Or be still. All of it is prayer.

📖 Closing Scripture to Declare:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
—Revelation 21:4 (NLT)

Connect with one of us: www.coachinginfreedom.com

Merri Ellen Giesbrecht / www.merriellen.com

Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box