Prayers and Litanies for Worship Addressing Depression and Suicide

PRAYER LITANY

God our Creator, you give breath to each person you made.

You treasure the gifts of each unique person.

But when life becomes a burden rather than a gift,

God of life, hold us.

When darkness strangles the will to live, when days become endless nights,

God of light, shine on us.

When no one seems to understand, when we walk and wait alone,

God of love, embrace us with your presence.

Where there is despair, bring hope; where there is shame, give value and worth;

where there is emptiness, bring fulfillment; where there is suffering in mind and body, bring healing.

God of hope, hear our prayer for life.

PRAYER LITANY

God, we celebrate the gift of life for each person.  We commit to nurturing the well-being of each person here. We know for some, life is a burden filled with suffering.

Help us to talk about our fears, our anger, and our despair with someone we trust.

We celebrate that life has purpose and meaning.  For some, purpose and meaning are like dry bones, dead and lifeless.

Remind us that You know us by name.  You know our place and purpose in this world. 

We are created to live in community.  Some feel alone, unloved and disconnected.

Give us courage to reach out with love to someone who needs us.  May we be Your presence with them.  Teach us to be gentle and non-judgmental.

We remember those who ended their life before it was time. 

Comfort those who grieve and bring healing.

BLESSING

(Each of us longs to be blessed.  This blessing brings comfort and the strong reassurance to not be afraid when life is so uncertain.)

God go before you to lead you,

God go behind you to protect you,

God go beneath you to support you,

God go beside you to befriend you.

Do not be afraid.

May the blessing of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be upon you.

Do not be afraid. (Unknown source)

PRAYER FOR SOMEONE CONTEMPLATING SUICIDE

(Suggestion: Keep sentences short and simple.  Their minds may be troubled and confused. Perhaps they will remember one thought from the prayer.)

God of compassion, you know and love (Name).  Walk with her/him during this dark time.  Be her/his friend.  Clear the confusion in her/his mind.  Show her/him your love and concern.  Give her/him strength to live.  Amen.

SONG

You are Mine by David Haas (2005 GIA Publications) is a beautiful song about God's protective love. The refrain says, "Do not be afraid.  I am with you./I have called you each by name./Come and follow me./I will bring you home;/I love you, and you are mine.”