Death of a Child

How does one pray regarding the death of a child? One is a five-year-old whose heart has been opened, operated upon and yet is failing. One would be a donor should the right set of circumstances occur. Either circumstance results in the death of a child.

How does the family (and their friends) pray for the life of their child, knowing the death of another is necessary for continued life?

I’m praying for such a family, and the scriptures offer great comfort:

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26 KJV)

We do not know for what we should pray. God recognizes that and provides the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to speak for us. Jesus promised us He would be with us:

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:16 KJV)

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26 KJV)

Paul continues in Romans, telling us that God is in control:

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 KJV)

So, we pray the one prayer that gives comfort and gives God the glory:

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10 KJV)

Even as Christ prayed for that He knew could not occur, yet ended with the correct prayer for all time, for all occasions:

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. … He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (Matthew 26:39, 42 KJV)

Return once again to Paul’s letter, reminding us that God’s will is the best thing for our lives:

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:27 KJV)

So – when faced with the death of a child, we pray for God’s will to be done. That the family or families involved will be given the peace of God which passeth all understanding. Praying that we may have the strength to remain in God’s will.

Thy will be done.