Background: Jacob (Joseph’s father) has just died.
Joseph threw himself upon his father and wept over him and kissed him. Then Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his father Israel. So the physicians embalmed him, taking a full forty days, for that was the time required for embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. Gen 50:1-3
Comment
A dear friend has just died. He will be greatly missed. At times like this, we need to make space to mourn, to grieve over our lost ones, to remember the good times… to celebrate them and give thanks. Crying and sharing with others helps us to recover and move on. It’s important that we grieve. Sometimes we try to stuff the emotions away and ignore them; this is bad for our physical and mental health.
At times like this we can feel angry with God. That’s OK; he understands and he still loves us and will give us his strength if we ask him.
Who are the people you need to take a moment as a couple to mourn/celebrate/give thanks for?
Prayer (as a couple)
Dear loving father, I/we are hurting over the loss of _____ Please help us to remember the good times and to celebrate his / her life. Please strengthen us. Thank you for ______ and for the relationship I/we had. Thank you for friends, thank you for love. Amen.
If you’re angry (and find it difficult to pray?)
Dear Father, I’m angry with you over the loss of _____. You understand my anger and I know you still love me though I don’t feel like it. Please help me through these days. Amen.
Prayer (for others)
Dear Father, we lift up _____ (grieving person) to you. Please help _____ through this difficult time. Please help them to deal with their grief and not suppress it. Please help them to celebrate the life of _____ and please help them to move on, in your time. Amen.
