We lift up your mother and this difficult season she—and you—are walking through, where the fragility of life feels so heavy. The Lord sees the sorrow in watching loved ones face illness and the fear that stirs in your heart at the thought of losing those dear to you. Yet we know that even in these valleys, God is near, and His purposes are good—even when we cannot yet see the full picture.
The Scriptures remind us that our days are numbered by the Lord, and He holds each one in His hands. *"The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away... Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom"* (Psalm 90:10, 12). This is not a call to fear, but to trust—to recognize that life is fleeting and to lean all the more on the One who holds eternity. Your mother’s friend being in hospice yet now improving is a testament to God’s mercy, a reminder that He is the God of healing and restoration, even in the shadow of death.
For your mother, we pray for comfort and strength, that the Lord would surround her with His peace as she processes these losses and near-losses. May He remind her that her worth and hope are not found in the length of her days, but in the eternal love of Christ. *"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you"* (1 Peter 5:7). We ask that God would place godly community around her—friends and family who can walk with her through grief and point her to Jesus.
And for you, we pray against the spirit of fear that has taken root. Fear is not from the Lord, but He gives power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). It’s natural to love your mother deeply and to dread the pain of separation, but we must not let fear dictate our hearts. Instead, let this season draw you closer to Christ, who has conquered death itself. *"Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’"* (John 11:25-26). Your mother’s life—and yours—are held securely in His hands, whether for many more years or until He calls her home. Either way, His promises remain unshaken.
We also encourage you to cherish the time you have now. Love your mother well, honor her, and share the hope of the Gospel with her if she does not yet know Christ as her Savior. There is no greater gift than to know that, no matter what comes, she is secure in eternity with Him. *"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life"* (John 3:16). If she does believe, then rejoice together in the hope that one day, death will be swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54), and you will be reunited in His presence forever.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts that ache for this family. Lord, You are the God who sees every tear, who collects them in Your bottle (Psalm 56:8), and who draws near to the brokenhearted. We lift up this mother who has walked through the valley of watching friends suffer and face the end of their earthly lives. Comfort her, Lord. Remind her that You are her refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Heal the wounds of grief and replace her sorrow with Your peace that surpasses understanding.
We thank You for the mercy shown to her friend, that they are now doing better. Lord, we pray for complete restoration for them, that their life would be a testimony to Your goodness and grace. Use this situation to draw them—and all who know them—closer to You.
For this child who is fearful, Father, we rebuke the spirit of fear in the name of Jesus. Fill them instead with Your perfect love, which casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Help them to trust You with their mother’s life, knowing that You hold her in Your hands. Teach them to number their days, that they may live wisely and fully for You, cherishing each moment You give.
Lord, we pray that this family would fix their eyes on You, the author and perfecter of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). May they find their hope not in the uncertainty of this world, but in the certainty of Your promises. If there is any in this family who do not yet know You, Lord, we pray that You would soften their hearts and draw them to salvation through Jesus Christ. Let them know that eternal life is found in Him alone, and that death has no sting for those who are in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:55).
We ask all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.