Hidden in the Hollow of His Hand

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 · Ordinary Time

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 49:15-16

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
Reflection
God reaches for the most tender human bond imaginable — a nursing mother and her infant — to describe His commitment to us. And then He surpasses it. Even human love, beautiful as it is, can fail; the love of God cannot. Your name is inscribed not in a book that can be lost, but on the palms of His hands. You are not forgotten. You are permanently, permanently remembered.
Prayer for Today
Our Father,


Thank You for Your Word that gives comfort. Our loved ones' hearts are broken today. They are crushed with the disappointment of losing their beloved. You have said that You are close to the broken-hearted and that You save those who are crushed in spirit.
May Your presence and help be very present in their time of need, felt tangibly by each one.


There is little that we can say or do to ease their pain, so we are coming to You. We know You do not numb their pain, for their grief is real and an essential part of processing great loss. Yet, we boldly ask that as they walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, that they would sense that they are not walking alone. You are walking with them as You promised, so they have nothing to fear.


I pray that fear would not take root in their grieving. Instead, we ask that the peace of Heaven would flood their souls. Give them images of their beloved resting in Your arms. And help them to see that they can rest there too, for You care deeply for
them.


Thank You that You treasure each tear they shed. Your Word tells us that tears are precious to You and that You catch each one that falls. May those who are grieving rest assured that You are doing that now in a very real way.


You have promised to work all things out for good for those who love You and take up Your calling upon their lives. We trust that You will work this sad loss out for good. Somehow in Your amazing wisdom and compassion, You will allow great things to come
of this tragedy. We don't know how or when, but we are taking You at Your word, for we know You do not lie or stretch the truth. We can count on every word You have uttered each word is wholly dependable and true.


Jesus came to love the world, not to condemn. May His love flood each soul. May any regrets be washed away and only happy memories abide with them. Draw the family together in close unity as they help each other and talk with each other about their grief.
Remind them that this is not all there is; that there is an eternity that they can enjoy together once again, so much better than this, if we simply believe the love You have for us.




We entrust the spirit of this loved one to You. You are good. We know this to be true. May Your name be appreciated, exalted, and praised even in the midst of sorrow and suffering.


In Jesus' Name
Amen

Amen.