"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed."

(Ps 34:19)

God of comfort,
you who are mother and father of us all,
hear our anguish at the loss of this child.
Our hearts and bodies are broken,
wracked with pain and grief.
We bring you our cries
and confusion,
anger and envy,
guilt and sorrow,
knowing that you mourn with us,
that our tears are not wept alone.
You who call us each by name
from our mother’s womb
know the wonder of life
no matter how small,
no matter how young.
Help us trust that you will hold
this baby in your hands
as we hold this child in our hearts.
Your love is wide enough for our pain.
Your healing is the hope we cling to.
Be with us in our pain,
in this present darkness.
Enfold us in your embrace
and heal our deepest loss.¹