Grief and sadness

"Dear Lord, today my heart aches for lost opportunities, for loved ones I miss, and for those who suffer. Today my heart is heavy in thought of those who are with you rejoicing, but I miss deeply. Today I need your assurance that those who have gone on to be with you are well, and my grief is short. Allow me the assurance that our time apart will be brief while I continue here while they are there.

For those who are suffering and who are alone, give them the grace of your presence, allow them to feel you with them. Help me to be a bright light in their lives and to show them your love and grace. For those who have been abandoned by their families and friends, help me to recognize opportunities to reach out a hand of love and compassion. Help me to give to them a smile, a loving touch and a word of hope. Help me to open my heart to the depressed and the hurting. Allow me to be empathetic and compassionate. Let me love as you love and to help the healing of the hurting. In your name I pray. Amen."