Soul Cry: Devotional Prayers for Wounded, Grieving, and Suffering Hearts

by Gary Roe

Our souls are crying out.

The world is shaking. Things are changing rapidly, and not for the better.

Conflict. Division. Anger. Rage. Hatred. Threats. Violence. Lawlessness.

Wars and rumors of wars. Food shortages and famine. Natural disasters. Destruction. Illness. Disease. Death.

Then there are all our personal stresses and losses. Jobs. Vocations. Careers. Increasing inflation. Diminishing savings. Rising taxes. Crushing debt. Relational conflicts. Family fragmentation. Strained friendships. Estrangements.

Then there’s the incredible, painful, and often traumatic loss of people we love and care about - friends, neighbors, family members, siblings, spouses, children, grandchildren.

It can seem like everything is falling apart.

We need to vent about all this. We need to vent in God’s direction. Our souls need to cry out to Him - honestly and authentically.

This is what Soul Cry is all about.

Soul Cry is a book of devotional prayers which are grounded in the Bible and designed to connect with your soul. Each chapter contains a prayer based on a Bible verse or passage. These prayers are brief - about 2-3 pages long.

Soul Cry was written for followers of Jesus who are grieving and suffering from all the loss and change in their own lives and in the world around them. The goal of Soul Cry is to help wounded hearts cry out to God amid the pain, chaos, and upheaval that surrounds them.

Soul Cry was designed to be read straight through, one chapter a day. The book contains daily prayers for three months, with 31 prayers for each month.

In essence, Soul Cry is a daily prayer devotional.

Multiple award-winning author Gary Roe is a trusted voice in pastoral counseling and grief recovery that has been bringing help, hope, and healing to wounded hearts for four decades. A former missionary, pastor, and hospice chaplain, Gary has walked with tens of thousands of souls through painful valleys of suffering and loss. The author of more than 20 books, Gary is a sought-after speaker known for his Biblical insights, engaging style, and sense of humor.

Here's what Gary has to

"I am follower of Jesus Christ. I come from a background of heavy loss and sexual abuse. I came to Jesus when I was 11 years old. Though I didn’t know it, everything changed in that moment.

As losses and wounds continued to pile up, God faithfully brought me through them one by one. He comforted, encouraged, and healed me, even though many times I was in so much pain I could not even sense His presence. At least four times in my life I thought, 'That’s it. I’m not going to make it through this.' Obviously, I was wrong. God is faithful indeed."

Is your heart wounded. Are you suffering inside? Are you grieving?

Soul Cry was written for you.

Let your soul cry out.

330 pages, Paperback

Published August 22, 2023

About the author

Hi. My name is Gary.

My story began with a childhood of sexual abuse and numerous other losses. When my life began to unravel as a teen, another family took me in and changed the trajectory of my life. My healing journey began.

Eager to help others heal and grow, my heart turned outward. Over the next three decades, I served as a campus minister, a church-planting missionary in Japan, an entrepreneur in Hawaii, and a pastor. I'm currently work as a writer, speaker, and hospice chaplain.

After walking through deep valleys with thousands of people, I can say the following with confidence:

• We've all been wounded
• Healing isn't for sissies
• We’re all designed for impact
• The world needs us
• We must heal

I'm here to help. I'm no guru or master of anything. I'm a fellow struggler. I still bear the scars of my wounds. I grieve, get anxious, worry, and battle fear regularly. But I'm healing, and I'm growing.

Stop by my website. Drop me an email. I’d love to hear from you.

Reviews

[Cindy Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping a connection with God after losing a spouse is so difficult. I knew that I needed God, but anger over my loss had me postponing that connection for too long.
Soul Cry is the right tool to help maintain that connection to God when it’s needed the most. Once again, Gary Roe gives us what we need so badly as we learn to grieve.

[Cathi Lafler · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the loss of my son, 38 years ago, I still find myself feeling lost and confused. Angry and hurt. This book helped much more than I thought it might. It brought me peace, helped me sort out my feelings and emotions. Strengthened my faith. I was looking forward to the next day's read. This book helped me, it will help you too.

[Belinda Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

The day they recovered my son's body from the woods my soul cried out to the Lord. I read this book because I could relate to the title but found myself finding rest for my soul as it leads me back to God's promises. Thank you Gary Roe.

[Donna Roos]

This book is extremely helpful to those trying to heal from the heartache of loss. Gary's words give you a springboard to a good path for your grief journey

[C Lerch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Cry is first off a book about traveling through the journey of grief. A three month book, it is a Christian book with many references to God and the Bible on each and every page - if that is not for you, you should know that up front. That being said, it is also a great book for anyone who has lost; lost a loved one, a beloved pet, lost heart, lost family, lost friends, any loss. It touches on the deepest parts of grief and sets the emotions and confusions next to passages in the Bible, in such a way that a person can see themselves in the words of the text (written as prayers) and then read supportive passages from the Bible. Each daily reading also ends with a an affirmation/prayer that refocuses your attention on God You can make the readings your own prayer during your daily time with God. Although it is meant to be read daily and in order, I have found myself flipping through to the emotion I am feeling at that time and reading/praying through that reading for the day. I would highly recommend it for anyone who is traveling through their own grief journey and especially anyone who needs a little help expressing themselves on that journey.

[Maryann Augusta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Roe takes us on a 3-month journey in Soul Cry into the myriad of emotions that makes us all human, whether it be our yearning to understand our grief, our anxiety, our weariness, or our fear. This is a book I will read again and again as challenges and complex feelings arise. His heartening descriptions for “When your soul aches”, leads us to Gods comfort and the knowledge that we are not alone. Where do we turn when these feelings come up for us more often than not? We turn to short daily devotionals dedicated to each emotion in Soul Cry, which is interspersed with short supporting quotes from the scriptures. It’s an easy read and draws the reader in leading to introspection. As Gary Roe shares the highs and lows of each day he shows us that God answers when we call, no matter where we are in our spiritual journey. The most poignant quote from this book remains with me today: “Now is not forever. Help me to remember this. This too will pass, though I don’t know how or when. I have You. I will always have You.”

[Jane Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life can be hard. The unexpected happens. Loss happens. Hurt happens. Grief happens. We can be left speechless but need to express what’s in our hearts. As Christians, we know we are to pray, but sometimes we don’t know what to say. Soul Cry by Gary Roe is an excellent resource to help. It takes short Bible passages and adds short first person prayers that relate to the Bible passages. Reading them, especially out loud, can be a way to express what’s in our hearts that we can’t quite find words for in seasons of loss, hurt, grief, the unexpected. And each entry can serve as an example so that, as we find our voices again, we can speak our own prayers.

[Marilyn Nutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modeled after the apostle Paul’s prayers for spiritual healing and not circumstances, Roe uses scripture based prayers to minister to grieving and suffering hearts. Grievers often can’t focus for long periods of time, so these short readings are a plus. The headings for each day are relevant and relatable. For example, “everything seems different, never alone, searching for relief, and troubled heart” are words grievers often speak and think. Roe’s book takes us to the root of healing in loss- to connect with honesty to the heart and character of God as He leads us in individual ways, toward healing.

[EDG · Rating 5 out of 5]

As my personal grief journey continues, I do my best to honor my feelings as I pray for God's comfort and place my broken heart in His care. Grief and gratitude--I grieve for the loss of my husband’s presence and I am grateful for his presence with the Lord. I am especially thankful for Gary Roe and his latest release, Soul Cry. These daily reminders and prayers provide comfort and grace so needed by grieving hearts, my own included. I pray that these daily jewels will bless you and your loved ones on your own unique grief journey. God bless you.

[Cat Breakspear · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book offering comfort, hope and spiritual food for anyone that has ever experienced loss or grief. The daily readings are written with care and heart, and provide nourishment for the soul. A reminder that we are all in this together and are collectively loved. This book is a must read. The author has written many books that have stood out to me as being authentic, honest and soothing. This book continues on with this ... and I feel blessed to have discovered him. Read if you are feeling lost, or without courage, or alone - and be comforted.

[Tamara Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Cry is a tremendous blessing! It contains many of my favorite Scriptures, and Gary’s writing is elegant. It is theologically sound, encouraging, hopeful, and helpful amid my own personal grief & struggle. I love the intermingling of Scripture and the poetic writing style. My biggest take away from Soul Cry is "Jesus is my life!", which lines up perfectly with God’s recent revelation to me. I highly recommend this Christian devotional book to anyone who is going through a wilderness season.

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many of Gary's books on grief, and he's done it again with this new devotional. It's a perfect book for Christians who are struggling in this broken world - from losses, disappointments, failures, etc. Each day helps you to turn to, embrace, and be embraced by the One who will turn all those things out for good, and who will walk with you through this broken world and keep you focused on the eternity to come. Comfort, peace, love, encouragement, presence - can all be found in these pages. Take heart - for He has overcome the world!

[Joyce Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book it's a daily reading to understand your grief by using the Holy Bible KJV. It will help a person dealing with the loss of a loved one whether a child, parents or friends. I feel that it could be used for a grief support group to help opening discussions about our own feelings. Even using it as a family support program to help others family members to help themselves to be there for others

[Patsy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not have known that while reading this book I would lose not only one friend, but two. The comfort that I felt in reading Gary Roe's words and the selected scriptures was healing to my freshly re-wounded heart. Gary's words echoed my own feelings beautifully. I would highly recommend Soul Cry to anyone experiencing grief, anxiety, or any of the many feelings common to grief. I plan to keep copies on hand to give to those in need.
Patsy Johnson
Grief Team Leader
College Station, TX

[Karen A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within the pages of Soul Cry, Gary untangles the tangled mob of feelings caused by grief. He pulls them out of the dark, into the light, and I find myself following. When despair and sorrow consume me, when hope seems elusive and I doubt God, I page through this book and find encouragement, hope and restoration. It is oxygen for my soul. This book is a treasure for anyone living amid the devastating loss of a beloved one and those facing extreme life changes and ongoing daily struggles.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several of Gary's books and have loved them all. Each one is special. It's like he knows exactly what you're feeling and thinking.
But this one, brings it to a spiritual level and helps with prayers to get you through the first 90 days. I would use it as a supplement to one of his other books depending on what other type of loss you had.

[Beverly Sciance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly the book that I have needed in my grief walk! These prayers have helped to ground me in the WORD and have given me the hope and strength to tackle the demands of daily life! Gary Roe is an amazing author who has written numerous books to help us through all of life’s grief, heartache and many challenges that we all face!

[Rosemary Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Cry is a wonderful book to have on hand when you are in the throes of deep grief. When even remembering to breathe is a task Soul Cry comes alongside and helps you to take that next breath and next step to turn to God for help and healing. The daily devotions infused with Gary’s wisdom and God’s word will soothe your hurting heart. This book is a wonderful resource for comfort of your soul.

[Hadassah Treu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Soothing Balm to the Grieving Hearts

Gary Roe’s new book “Soul Cry” is like a soothing balm to the grieving and suffering hearts. It helps us lament and express our painful and confusing emotions in Scripture-based daily prayers. It is a very helpful resource to connect with God and process our grief in a healthy way.

[Lucinda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has helped me so much. Not only does it enable me to express my grief, pain, and hurt to God but at the same time it brings me his comfort and peace. If you are hurting and don’t know how to talk to God about it, this book will guide you. I have ordered additional copies to give to friends who are in a difficult, painful season of life.

[Rita Harrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary has written in prayer format the thoughts, feelings and emotions we go through as we grieve.
Each prayer is answered beautifully with a passage from the Bible.
This book ‘Soul Cry’ connects with my heart and soul
and gives me a feeling of deep peace.
Highly recommend, don’t suffer alone, read the book.
Gary this is perfect. Thank you
Blessings
Rita

[Barbara Milburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a follower of this author, since my son passed in 2020. His book "Shattered Surviving the Loss of a Child" was such an encouragement to my heart I keep copies of it on hand to give away as the spirit leads. This new book, Soul Cry really ministers to my soul. The author uses the scriptures in a poetic composition that will minister to any soul that is still grieving from any loss.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

was widowed nearly 3 years ago. I read Gary's book on the loss of your spouse. It got me through a very dark time. This book is the same. Gary's Care, compassion and understanding oozes from every page. I would recommend this to anyone who is struggling with grief,anxiety or any other problems that send you down a dark path. It is full of hope and care.

[Kathy Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Roe has done it again. This book walks gently with you through days of grief. Grief can feel like an unpredictable, constant companion. Soul Care speaks gentle words, and the truth of God’s Word into the grieving soul, bringing the balm of healing, day after day. I am so grateful for this constant reminder of God’s presence in the midst of our grief.

[Carol Schmeltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times in life situations can derail us and life can be so loud. Soul Cry can quiet your heart and help bring truth into focus. Written in a very practical style with an easily digestive daily reading.

[Deanna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will definitely be one I read over and over. Gary has put the pain in my heart into words. If you are struggling with loss, feeling alone or unloved, this book will provide comfort, encouragement, and a renewed insight into God’s love for you.

[Lynette McCombs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary has encapsulated the heart of the griever in these devotional prayers. When words seem inadequate, this collection of prayers express the heart of and soul of our cries to the Father. You will read this over and over again in all the stages of the journey of loss.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first few days, weeks, and months of adjusting to life without a loved one are the hardest. This book provides a gentle, caring companion through that process.
I highly recommend it.

[Karen Quillard]

Grief is hard! Gary Roe has once again found a way to walk this journey one day at a time with our Lord. Let this book help you, read it slowly and mindful. Karen Q.