"Since the children have flesh and blood, [Jesus] too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15).
Father God, Hallowed be Your Name! You promised that "on this mountain [The Lord Almighty] will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; He will swallow up death forever" (Isaiah 25:7-8). And our risen Lord Jesus has declared, "I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18).
Thank You, Father for sending Your Son to share in our humanity. Thank You that on the cross, His punishment brought us peace (Isaiah 53:5). Thank You for the message of hope and deliverance written in the scars; in the wounds that swallowed up death and freed us from its power and terror. Thank You that You, Lord Jesus, hold the keys to death and Hades, and we do not have to grieve "like [those] who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Thank You for Your stated mission of mercy, "to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair" (Isaiah 61:2-3; Luke 4:18-20).
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
We pray for those who are grieving, for those with a spirit of despair. Heal their hearts with the hope Jesus held out to all—when He told us, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die" (John 11:25-26). Thank You for the peace and comfort in these words.
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth or song, As the burdens press, and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain: Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when my way is dark With a nameless dread and fear? As the daylight fades into deep night shades, Does He care enough to be near?
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed To resist some temptation strong; When for my deep grief there is no relief, Though my tears flow all the night long?
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye” To the dearest on earth to me, And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks— Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
~Frank E Graeff~1901
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