We are truly sorry to hear about the loss of a close friend and mentor at your sister's church. It's wonderful to know your strong faith in Christ. In times of grief, we turn to the Word of God for comfort and strength. As it is written 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 grieve 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."
Let us pray together. Our Heavenly Father, we come before you in the name of Jesus Christ, lifting up the husband, brothers, friends, and sisters who mourn the loss of their beloved friend and mentor. Grant them the comfort that only You can provide, and let them find solace in Your promises. Remind them of the hope we have through Your son Jesus. We are children being in the Light. As it says in 1 John 1:7 "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin."
We know JM is also personaly greatly affected by this. This is especially so because it can bring back emotions and feeling that retune during his time of depression. Help Him to deal with the difficult emotions again. Guide him in eating healthy and getting the physical exercises he needs. Help him also renew his spiritual exercises as well and strengthen his spiritual gifts.
Lord we also bring before you the children who are affected by this loss. Surround them with Your love and provide that hedge protection around them as they deal with life and difficult decisions. Lord, we pray for Your guidance and protection over them, close every door that leads to harm, and we pray for for new opportunities and Christian connections.
We also pray for your deliverance and a hedge of protection for all of us from evil in Jesus Name in Psalms 91 WEB "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of Yahweh, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.' ...You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day; nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday."
Thank you for your proclamation of salvation in Jesus Christ. We agree in Jesus Christ with the scriptures "For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved," Acts 4:12 WEB. You have reminded the Faithful of scriptures or great assurance to be found in: Psalm 91, 121; Isaiah 54:17; 1 John 4:4; 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3; and Revelation 21:5.
You need to be strong and courageous to continue to help "make disciples of all the nations" even though you have mourning in your heart. Joshua 1:7 WEB "Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don't turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go." Having that strength can comfort those around you. Speak about Christ to those that ask "Why do you still smile?". Speaking of your faith and your assurance of the redemption from Christ is great for other nonbelievers to hear. Psalm 121:1-2 WEB "I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from Yahweh, who made heaven and earth."
Again, Our Dear and Loving Savior Jesus Christ "Behold, I make all things new." Amen!