Evan Welsh was a young man who helped build The Water’s Edge. He died too young last week at age 25 last week in a motorcycle accident. He was an amazing young man. An overachiever, an extravert, and a true servant. Many of us are grieving. I wrote this prayer a few years ago and wanted to reintroduce it for those who are grieving. Thank you Evan — for all you did and more importantly for who you were.
Dear God,
I’m saying goodbye to somebody I love.
I’m grateful for their life.
They gave me so much joy and love.
Just like You wept at the death of Your friend Lazarus, my pain is real and I am hurting.
Comfort me in my loss.
Lead me down the path of grief to hope and healing.
I thank You for Your promise of eternal life.
An eternal dwelling place You have prepared for us. (John 14:2)
A place where there is no more sorrow or crying or pain. (Revelation 21:4)
A place where You will always be our God and we will forever be Your children. (John 14:3 and Revelation 21:7)
I thank You for memories.
Times of exploring, laughing, serving, and loving.
Teach me that it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.
Help me cling to You and increase my faith. Calm my hurting heart. (John 14:1)
Let me experience Your peace in this storm. (Psalm 107:29)
Equip and inspire me to live in ways that honor my loved one and glorify You.
Amen.
