Anniversary of a Loved One's Death
Although grief is typically most acute in the immediate wake of a loved one's death, there is no doubt that holidays and anniversaries of that person's passing can be really difficult as well. That person is often on our mind on those days, so holding a short worship service can be one way that we can honor and remember them.
Opening Prayer
Holy God, we come to you in prayer this morning with heavy hearts as we remember ___________'s life. Even though it's been a year since their death, and we know that they are at home and at peace now with you, we still miss them a lot. We miss being able to see them. We miss being able to talk to them. So we wanted to take some time today to remember them and give thanks for their life - all of those things, both small and big, that made up who they were. Help us to honor their life, and help us wherever we need help. Amen.
Scripture Passages
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:38-39)
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. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil;
for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. (Psalm 23)
Discussion Questions as a Family
Closing Prayer
Holy God, it's never easy to say goodbye. We loved _______ so much, and sometimes our memories of them make us miss them all the more. But while we may always miss them deeply, we are also grateful knowing that they are at home and are at peace with you and all those who went before them. Your love will never let us go, and so we give you thanks for the promise of new life that you have given us in Jesus. Help us to remember that promise all the days of our lives. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Holy God, we come to you in prayer this morning with heavy hearts as we remember ___________'s life. Even though it's been a year since their death, and we know that they are at home and at peace now with you, we still miss them a lot. We miss being able to see them. We miss being able to talk to them. So we wanted to take some time today to remember them and give thanks for their life - all of those things, both small and big, that made up who they were. Help us to honor their life, and help us wherever we need help. Amen.
Scripture Passages
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:38-39)
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. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil;
for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. (Psalm 23)
Discussion Questions as a Family
- What are some things that you miss most about ___________?
- Share a few memories of things that you did together - how do those memories represent who they were?
- What about __________'s life do you want to copy in your life?
Closing Prayer
Holy God, it's never easy to say goodbye. We loved _______ so much, and sometimes our memories of them make us miss them all the more. But while we may always miss them deeply, we are also grateful knowing that they are at home and are at peace with you and all those who went before them. Your love will never let us go, and so we give you thanks for the promise of new life that you have given us in Jesus. Help us to remember that promise all the days of our lives. Amen.