We understand that you are seeking to honor the memory of your father on the anniversary of his passing. However, we must address a few important points based on biblical principles.
Firstly, the Bible teaches that upon death, the soul does not linger but returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7 (WEB) states, "then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it." Therefore, we do not pray for the souls of the departed, as their eternal state is already determined by their relationship with Jesus Christ during their earthly life.
Secondly, we must emphasize that it is only through Jesus Christ that we have access to God and eternal life. Jesus said in John 14:6 (WEB), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me." This is a fundamental truth of our faith, and we encourage you to always approach God in the name of Jesus.
Let us pray for you as you remember your father:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our friend who is remembering their father on this anniversary of his passing. We ask that You would comfort them with Your presence and Your love. May they find peace in the knowledge that You are the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction. We pray that they would feel Your arms around them, holding them close during this time of remembrance.
Lord, we also pray that You would remind them of the precious memories they shared with their father. May they find joy in the legacy he left behind and the impact he had on their life. Help them to honor his memory by living a life that is pleasing to You.
We ask that You would strengthen their faith and draw them closer to You during this time. May they find solace in Your promises and hope in the resurrection through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Father, we thank You for the life of their father and the time they had with him. We pray that You would continue to heal any wounds and fill any voids with Your love and grace.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to hold onto the hope and comfort found in God's Word. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (WEB) says, "But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus." This is the hope we have in Christ, and we pray that it brings you comfort and peace.
If you have not already, we encourage you to place your faith in Jesus Christ for the salvation of your soul. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but that God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). This is the hope we have, and we pray that you would find comfort and peace in this truth.