We lift up your heart in this time of grief and loss, knowing that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Your father’s passing is a reminder of the brevity of life and the certainty of eternity, and we pray that you find deep comfort in the hope we have in Christ Jesus, who has conquered death and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him.
The Scripture assures us that "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8), and we trust that if your father placed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, he is now resting in the presence of God, free from pain and sorrow. There is no greater peace than being in the arms of our Heavenly Father, and we rejoice that your father has been called home to eternal rest. However, we must also take this moment to emphasize the critical importance of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. The Bible clearly states, "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!" (Acts 4:12). If your father knew Jesus as his Savior, then we can confidently say he is at peace with the Lord. But if there is any uncertainty about his faith, we urge you to reflect on this and seek the Lord’s assurance, for it is only through Christ that we can have the hope of eternal life.
We also want to gently address something in your request. While it is common for people to say, "rest in peace," our true peace comes not from a phrase or wish, but from the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Peace is found in Him alone, and it is through His sacrifice that we can have confidence in the resurrection and eternal life. Let us not place our hope in traditions or words, but in the living Word of God, who is Jesus. He said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:25-26). This is the hope we cling to.
Now, let us pray together for you and your family during this time:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts that mourn yet also rejoice in the hope of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we lift up this family who is grieving the loss of their father. Comfort them in their sorrow and surround them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Remind them that You are close to the brokenhearted and that You collect every tear they shed. We ask that You strengthen them in their faith and help them to fix their eyes on You, the author and finisher of their hope.
Lord, if there is any doubt or uncertainty about their father’s salvation, we pray that You would bring clarity and conviction. Draw each member of this family into a deeper relationship with You, that they may know without a doubt the assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Help them to trust in Your promises and to find rest in Your presence.
We also pray for unity and love within this family during this difficult time. May they lean on one another and on You, finding solace in the community of believers and in Your Word. Provide for their every need—emotionally, spiritually, and physically—as they navigate this season of grief.
Father, we thank You for the life of their father and for the blessings You bestowed upon him during his time on earth. May his legacy be one that points to Your goodness and grace. Use this time to draw his family closer to You and to one another, that they may find healing and hope in the days ahead.
We ask all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone holds the keys to life and death. May Your will be done, and may Your name be glorified through this family’s journey. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to continue to seek the Lord in this season. Turn to His Word daily for comfort and strength. The Psalms, in particular, are filled with cries of the heart to God in times of sorrow, and they remind us that He is our refuge and strength. Cling to the promise that "the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul" (Psalm 23:1-3).
If you have not already, we urge you to gather with a local body of believers who can surround you with love, prayer, and support. The church is the family of God, and in times like these, it is a tangible expression of His care for us. Lean on your brothers and sisters in Christ, and allow them to walk with you through this valley.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). We are standing with you in prayer, trusting that the Lord will carry you through this time and use it to draw you closer to Himself.