A Prayer of Confession After a Suicide

After someone takes his or her own life, the hearts of the survivors fill with "what ifs" and guilt soon follows. God forgives and helps his children in their grief and guilt. Soul Shop helps faith communities companion with people who have given up hope and consider taking their own lives.

But should someone take their own life, these points for a prayer of confession can help someone or a whole community put into words the guilt they so that they can seek God's forgiveness.

We have been in trouble and yet told no one. 

We have felt desperate and not asked for help.     

We have isolated ourselves in our pain instead of reaching out.     

We have suspected others are suffering but we did not ask.     

We have observed lives falling apart but we did not inquire.    

We have been nudged to invite conversation but we have feared the connection.     

We have been quick to speak and slow to listen.     

We have told our stories, when others needed us to hear theirs.     

We have discouraged others from talking by our strong opinions and quick solutions.     

We have kept secrets we should not have kept.     

We have left people in danger that we should have offered sanctuary.     

We have allowed communities to form with many pathways to violence, but few pathways to peace.