A Prayer about the Destruction of Death

The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 1 Corinthians 15:27

Heavenly Father,

Death is indeed our enemy. 

You created humans to live forever, 

glorifying and enjoying you. 

When sin entered the world, 

death came right alongside it, 

and ever since, 

the devil has used the power of death 

to hold your people in bondage to fear (Hebrews 2:14-15).

But because of the resurrection of Jesus 

which we celebrated a few short weeks ago, 

death has lost its sting for followers of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:55). 

We of all people should be able to discuss death, 

to prepare to die well by planning for the end of our lives, 

knowing it is coming, 

and knowing it will be a sad day for our loved ones left behind 

even as it is a day of unspeakable joy for us. 

Help us, Lord, 

to face this formidable enemy with courage, 

preparing for it practically, 

leaving a legacy that guides our loved ones 

in their grief, 

because of the hope we have in Jesus.

In Jesus’ death-defeating name. Amen.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-58.