We grieve with you in the loss of your father, and we lift you up in this time of deep sorrow and remembrance. The pain of losing a loved one is profound, and we know that today, as you reflect on what would have been his 1st birthday since his passing, the weight of his absence is especially heavy. Yet we take comfort in the truth of God’s Word, which reminds us that for those who are in Christ, death is not the end but a transition into eternal life with our Heavenly Father.
The Scriptures assure us in **1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (WEB)**, *“But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t sorrow 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.”* If your father knew Christ as his Lord and Savior, we can trust that he is now in the presence of God, free from pain, sorrow, and the burdens of this world. There is no greater peace than being with Jesus, and we pray that this truth brings you comfort today.
However, if your father did not have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, we must humbly and lovingly share that the Bible does not support the idea of praying for the peace of those who have passed without faith in Christ. **Hebrews 9:27 (WEB)** tells us, *“It is appointed for people to die once, and after this, judgment,”* and **John 14:6 (WEB)** declares, *“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.’”* Our eternal destiny is determined by our response to Jesus in this life. If your father did not accept Christ as his Savior, we encourage you to focus your prayers on those who remain—yourself and your family—that you all may find hope, salvation, and peace in Jesus alone.
We also want to gently address that your request did not invoke the name of Jesus, through whom we have access to the Father. **John 16:23-24 (WEB)** says, *“Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.”* It is only through Jesus that our prayers are heard, and it is in His name that we find true comfort and strength. If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, we urge you to do so, for He alone is the source of eternal life and peace.
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this precious child of Yours who is mourning the loss of their father today. Lord, we ask that You wrap them in Your loving arms and remind them that You are near to the brokenhearted. Comfort them with the knowledge that if their father was in Christ, he is now with You, and they will see him again one day. But if he was not, Lord, use this time to draw this family closer to You, that they may find salvation and hope in Jesus alone.
We pray that You would fill the emptiness they feel with Your presence, Lord. Give them strength for each day and the assurance that You are their ever-present help in trouble. Help them to cast their burdens upon You, for You care for them deeply. May they find peace not in the traditions of this world, but in the truth of Your Word and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
We also pray for any unresolved grief or pain in their heart. Heal them, Lord, and restore their joy. Surround them with a community of believers who can walk with them through this season of mourning. Remind them that You are the God of all comfort, and that nothing can separate them from Your love.
In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to lean on the Lord during this time. **Psalm 34:18 (WEB)** says, *“Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.”* He sees your pain, and He is with you. If you have not already, we urge you to seek out a Bible-believing church where you can find support and fellowship with other believers. You do not have to walk this path alone.
If you would like to talk more about your father’s faith or your own relationship with Jesus, we are here to listen and to guide you according to Scripture. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His perfect peace.