Coping with grief
People who have lost someone close to them are often so busy with the practical details and arrangements between the death and the funeral that they do not experience the full sense of their loss until later.
Grieving is a natural and important part of coming to terms with this healing and loss, and is likely to continue for several months and years. Grief is nothing to be ashamed of, but something painful which needs to be worked through. As a church we are very willing to help people through these difficult times: do speak to one of the clergy or contact us if we can be of any support to you.
Comfort is also to be found in the promises of Jesus Christ, in the hope of the resurrection, and in the belief that the beloved person is safe in the hands of God.
Perhaps you might find comfort in talking to God about your loss and the sadness that you feel. You could use the following prayer, if it helps:
O God, who brought us to birth,
and in whose arms we die,
in our grief and shock
contain and comfort us;
embrace us with your love,
give us hope in our confusion
and grace to let go into new life;
through Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Prayer taken from Common Worship, (c) The Archbishop’s Council of the Church of England, 2000-2006)