There are moments in grief when silence says more than any sermon, when sitting beside someone speaks louder than quoting Scripture. In these sacred spaces, the ministry of presence becomes God’s balm to the soul.
You don’t have to fix it.
You don’t have to explain it.
You only need to be there.
Presence Is Power
When Job’s world collapsed, his friends sat with him for seven days and seven nights without saying a word (Job 2:13). Though their counsel later fell short, their initial silence was a ministry of compassion.
Presence is power when words fall short.
Grief doesn’t always need an answer—it needs an anchor.
The comfort of knowing someone is near, without expectations or demands, mirrors the nearness of God Himself:
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 KJV)
Jesus Drew Near in Silence
When Mary grieved the death of her brother Lazarus, Jesus did not initially preach.
He wept (John 11:35).
He stood beside her pain and shared it.
Jesus, fully divine, chose not to offer a theological discourse in that moment. He offered His presence. He demonstrated that healing begins with empathy, not explanation.
The Ministry of the Mute
Sometimes we feel inadequate around grieving people—afraid of saying the wrong thing or not knowing what to do. But grief is not healed by perfection; it is soothed by proximity.
A gentle touch A silent prayer A shared meal A quiet presence
These are all expressions of the ministry of presence.
Proverbs 17:17 reminds us:
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
The ministry of presence says:
“I may not understand your grief, but I will not leave you in it.”
When You Are the One in Grief
When you are the one grieving, allow yourself to receive the quiet presence of others without shame or fear. Don’t resist the hands God sends to hold you. Often, we look for rescue in dramatic deliverance when comfort has quietly sat beside us all along.
God is not only the thunder on the mountain; He is also the still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12).
Selah Reflection
Who in your life simply showed up for you? When have you experienced God’s presence through another person’s silence? Are you called to be that presence for someone else right now?
Grief doesn’t need perfection.
It needs presence.
Scripture Focus
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart…” – Psalm 34:18 KJV “Weep with them that weep.” – Romans 12:15 KJV “A friend loveth at all times…” – Proverbs 17:17 KJV “Comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14 KJV
Prayer for Those Who Sit and Those Who Suffer
Father, I thank You because I know You hear me. Let Your will be done.
Thank You for being close to the brokenhearted.
Thank You for the quiet strength that holds us when words fall short.
Teach me to be present for those who mourn—without judgment, without pressure.
When I am grieving, help me receive the stillness of others as Your love.
Minister to me in the silence. Speak through nearness.
Let Your presence fill the empty places and bring peace to the wounded soul.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Final Word
The most powerful sermons in grief are sometimes preached in silence.
Be present. Be patient. Be like Jesus.
Selah Moment with Dr. Althea Winifred
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