Expressing Thoughts and Prayers When Someone Dies

Thoughts and prayers is a phrase often used to console the grieving. Unfortunately, not everyone likes the condolence phrase, thoughts and prayers, so you may want to find an alternative way to express your sympathy.

Meaning of Saying Thoughts and Prayers

The meaning of the phrase, "You're in my thoughts and prayers" said to someone grieving is clear. You are keeping them in your thoughts and including them in your prayers. This phrase has been used to express of concern and caring. Some people object to this saying, citing it is cliché and doesn't feel sincere.

History of the Phrase Thoughts and Prayers

The origin of the phrase, "thoughts and prayers," is obscure. Historically, this phrase was considered by many public figures as an appropriate way to convey condolences. The phrase has been used for those who survived natural disasters and human-caused tragedies, such as Hurricane Katrina or the Columbine High School shootings.

Criticism for Phrase Thoughts and Prayers

Critics of the phrase, "thoughts and prayers" argue that these are hollow words. They criticize politicians and other government officials for using words that fail to carry the weight of action to prevent human-caused tragedies or provide vital solutions for natural disasters.

Arguments of Unfair Criticism

Other people argue that the criticism for using the phrase, "thoughts and prayers" when someone dies is not hollow or impersonal. They explain how the phrase encompasses meaningful contemplation and heartfelt faith in the power of prayer.

Overuse of Phrase Breeds Contempt

It is highly possible that the overuse of the phrase, "thoughts and prayers" when expressing condolences has made it seem like an insincere or even a perfunctory expression. There certainly are other sympathetic phrases you can use to offer condolences and comfort to the grieving.

Alternatives to the Phrase Thoughts and Prayers

If you wish to give a more meaningful or thoughtful condolence to someone who has suffered grief, you can use an alternative phrase. Try to select a phrase that best communicates your sentiment to the deceased's family.

1. May God comfort and ease your sorrow.
2. I'm thinking of you and offering my prayers for God's peace and comfort.
3. I was so sorry to hear about [insert deceased's name]'s passing.
4. I lit a candle for your family and offered a prayer for [insert name of deceased] safe keeping.
5. May God's love take away your sorrow.

   

6. You know I'm here for you and you can call me any time of the day.
7. I'm praying for you to find comfort in Christ's promise of eternal life.
8. May you and your family find peace and comfort.

   

9. Sending my prayers that God's comfort and peace bless you and your family.
10. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    

11. I wanted to offer my condolences to let you know I'm thinking of you.
12. May you find strength in the love of Christ through devotion and faith.
13. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

    

14. I just heard the news about [insert name of deceased]'s passing and wanted you to know how sorry I am.
15. Please accept my condolences and know I'm praying for you and your family.
16. I wish my words could take away your pain.

    

17. You can lean on me whenever you need.

    

18. I want you to know how special [insert deceased's name] was to me.
19. [Insert name of deceased] was loved by so many people.
20. I don't know what we'll do without [insert name of deceased]. We loved her/him so much!
21. We always knew we could depend on [Insert name of deceased] and loved her/him more for it.
22. [Insert name of deceased]'s faith was so strong and always gave me comfort.
23. My prayer is that you find comfort and peace through Jesus Christ.
24. My sympathies for your loss.
25. May God's grace grant you peace and comfort.

    

Finding the Right Thoughts and Prayers Images

You can use images along with special thoughts and prayers to express your condolences. An image can comfort the heart of the grief-stricken, especially when accompanied by sympathetic words.

Choosing to Express Your Condolences With Thoughts and Prayers

It takes consideration to contemplate the right way to express thoughts and prayers for condolences for someone grieving. Keep in mind that when you speak from the heart, your words are received by the heart.