Death marks the end of a person’s life here on earth. It is probably the most painful experience a person can ever encounter. The sudden passing away of a person who is very dear to us leaves us with a lot of grief, sorrow, and confusion.
We can only imagine how much more painful it is to lose a partner or spouse. We have been used to waking up with them by our side. For years, we have been comfortable with the presence of our better half. We shared a lot of memories, conquered a lot of difficulties, and celebrated victories together.
These prayers are specially dedicated to those women who have lost their beloved husbands. In times of grief and mourning, we can turn to the Lord for strength and comfort. At the same time, let us not forget to pray for the eternal repose of their husbands who have gone ahead of us.
Catholic prayer for widow
Most compassionate God, creator of all and source of all that is good, I come to You with a broken heart and weary spirit. You, O God, know how much pain and sorrow the death of my husband has brought to my family and me. I am broken. I am crushed. I am at rock bottom now.
My husband was everything to me, and now he is no longer beside me. The days have become empty. The nights have turned too long and too lonely. Nothing will ever be the same again since my husband passed away. And it pains me, even more to realize that this will be my life for the years ahead.
Father, there are times that I have questions and doubts. I often ask why my husband should die and leave me all alone. But I beg Your pardon, Lord, for asking these questions that You alone can answer. In silence, dear God, I submit myself to Your will no matter how painful it is.
I ask You for Your comfort and assurance. Please be with my children and me as we continue our lives without my husband. Lead us always and encourage us with the hope that is solely found in You. Wipe away our tears and turn them into trust in Your will.
Bless us always, loving Father, You are all that we have now. Bring an end to the days of tears and mourning. Renew us with the joy of life and inspiration shown to us by my wonderful spouse. May Your unfailing love be our strength and courage as we face the challenges of life.
Thank You, O God, for our relatives and friends who never left us in this difficult time in our lives. Thank You for through them, we are assured that we are never alone in this mournful chapter of our lives.
Please help me accept the loss of my loving husband and heal my heart from the grief I am carrying inside. Please help me to have the fortitude to bear everything I am going through. I have faith in You. Since the day my spouse passed away, I have lost hope, yet I am constantly in Your care. Save me from the resentment and rage that have taken over my heart.
Through Jesus Christ, Your Son and our Lord. Amen.
Short prayer for widows
Loving Father, consoler of the broken-hearted and comfort of the sorrowing, I come to You seeking solace and strength. I entrust my beloved husband to Your compassion and mercy. May he find eternal peace in Your presence. May I continue to love and serve my children with You as my constant companion. Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
The Word of God
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:17-18 NRSVUE
A widows prayer to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
Beloved Saint Elizabeth, patron saint of widows, I come to your presence to ask for your help. Our Lord Jesus Christ was compassionate toward those who had lost a loved one during His time on earth. As His faithful follower, I beg you to intercede for me with Him.
Dear Saint Elizabeth, look at me with sympathy and compassion as I grieve the death of my life’s companion. As a reward for his exemplary life and service on earth, please pray to God that He may accept him into His heavenly kingdom. Full of trust in your intercession, please help me to deal with my loss and grief.
It is difficult to start over in life without the one I cherish the most, but with God, anything is possible. According to His word, I draw near to the Lord, and I am confident that you will be my intercessor.
Teach me, Saint Elizabeth, to adjust to my new circumstances and to carry out the will of God. So that I might continue to live in God’s grace and perform the responsibilities, He has given me, help me to avoid withdrawing from life, and inspire me to be more willing to give myself to others.
Pray for me that God may provide me with the capacity and fortitude to work with my hands and help me to be independent. I pray that His grace will sustain me and keep me from falling into despair at any point in the future.
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, companion of widows, pray for us. Amen.
Further reflection
Death ends our mortal life here on earth. But death does not kill or end the love we have for our loved ones. We are consoled by God’s assurance and mercy to our departed brethren.
In times of sorrow and grief, we can turn to the Lord and ask for His strength and hope. It will not be easy but let us be assured by the truth that God will be our provider and protector. It is absolutely fine to mourn the death of a loved one, especially our beloved spouse, because we have shared our life and countless memories with them. Pray to God to bring us to complete healing and wholeness again.
Let us not forget to pray for all the widows around the world. A widow can be young or old, a newlywed, or a woman who has been blessed with many years with their soulmate. This is a very tough and sorrowful situation in their life, no matter their age or years of marriage. As one family of God, may we always pray for them and help them in any way possible.
