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Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Prayerful Situations: Death, focuses on praying for the dying and those left behind.
Show Notes: Prayerful Situations: Death
Death. The last topic in my Prayerful Situations series. We’ve looked at how to pray when it comes to:
And now one of the most difficult subjects for people to discuss.
Death or dying.
Most people, including myself, don’t like to think of the end of life for ourselves or others. But the truth is we start dying the day we are born. Job 14: 1-2 says, “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He comes forth like a flower and fades away; he flees like a shadow and does not continue.”
Job dealt with tragedy himself and understood the brevity of life. If not for the promises of heaven and eternity, it would be easy to live depressed and fearful. But our dance with God continues when we step into eternity. John 14:1-3 says:
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” NLT
Jesus has prepared a home for us. God is ever-present here on earth. How do we pray for others when it comes to taking that last step? And how can we intercede for those left behind?
Many times, I’ve prayed for people who were in their last days while I was at home or in church. Even in my car. It’s essential for Christians to lift up people to God for healing. We can’t know if it is that person’s time, so we pray in faith for restoration, knowing that whether they have more time on earth or step into eternity and God’s presence, they are healed.
What do we need to consider when praying for the dying? I asked Roger Boswell, the pastor of The Bridge Church where I attend, for his thoughts. He gave me three.
- Tie in God’s will. Our days on earth are numbered and only God knows each person’s needs for our time here. The Bible verse that brought me comfort when my father passed away suddenly at the age of 53 was Isaiah 57: 1-2: “The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.”
- Be merciful and kind. If you’re praying aloud, give thanks for their life. Remind them that God is near and pray for their soul to be calmed. Let the person know they are greatly loved.
- Pray for less pain and suffering. Not only in the physical but near the end of life some people struggle with regrets, shame, or guilt. Pray for peace and the ability to release the past and trust God with the final part of life’s journey.
What do we do if we’re not sure the person knows Jesus and heaven is their destination? First, let them know they are not alone. God and their friends and family will be with them to the end. If they are conscious, you can then ask them in a kind and gentle way.
If they seem unconscious, they may still be aware and hear you. Either way, the example of the thief on the cross with Jesus gives us hope that even at the end, anyone can change and be with Him. I found this prayer on Christianity.com for those near death:
“Lord Jesus, come into my life. I believe you died and rose from the grave. I believe you live eternally in heaven. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Forgive me of all my sins. Move into my heart. I make you my Lord and Savior. Thank you for your sacrifice. I accept your gift of eternal salvation. Amen.”
Twice, I have prayed for dying people on the scene. The first time, the only prayer I had was for the family and the long days that lay ahead. I’d started to pray for healing but felt a distinct “whisper” inwardly that it was their time.
The second time, I’d gone to a friend’s house and the family met me at the door. They asked me to pray with her for she was fearful. As I held her hand, I sought God quietly for the right words. Instantly, Genesis 1 came to mind, the part where the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. I asked God to hover over my friend and give her peace. It was the only prayer I had. She calmed and fell asleep. I have never felt less adequate but God gave peace and comfort to us both as I prayed.
Both times, God met me where I was and gave me direction and wisdom when it came to praying. He’ll absolutely do the same for you, if and when that time comes. Just lift up your inadequacies to God and He will make a way.
What about those left behind? I experienced family and friends who’ve died unexpectedly and those who lingered for weeks and months. Basic prayers for both situations include:
- Peace in the midst of the shock. People can be disoriented or numb and we can pray for the ability to receive comfort, hope, rest, and sleep.
- Wisdom in decision-making. Hurried choices often accompany death and we can pray for peace and God-sent help while deciding what to do.
- Strength and ability to grieve. I tend to bottle my grief which is harmful to the body and soul. Pray for a safe place and the freedom to cry, be angry, or any other emotion that needs to be released.
I feel this barely covers such a difficult topic but the main thing is to start praying. As you lift up these basic needs, God will give you specific and personal words and ways to comfort those grieving a loss.
Remember this: there is always hope. I’ve witnessed people near death recover and others make Jesus their Lord and Savior before they passed. Dancing with God during loss is possible when we stay close to the One who loves us more than we can comprehend. Let’s pray: Father God, the thought of death can be scary. We long to be with You yet we have family and friends who depend on us or that we depend on. Thank you that Jesus crossed that bridge already and made a way for us to live in heaven. Comfort and give peace to those who’ve lost loved ones. Be a very present help for the dying. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
Dying and death are not easy, but God is near and heaven is real. Next week, we’ll start a new series about daily prayers. Until then, stay determined to dance.
You can find downloadable printable resources for this series at jenniferhallmark.com.
Printable Resource of Prayerful Situations: Death
Links:
7 Prayers for the Dying-Pray for Those Near Death
My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope
Remember: Prayerful Situations: Death
Video of the week:
I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.
Thank you for your insights. I focus too much on the physical aspects involved in praying for those who are dying. I’d never thought to pray for release from regrets, guilt, or shame.
It was a difficult episode but I’m glad it helped you when it comes to prayer,,,