God of love, today as we celebrate Mental Health Sunday, stir in us deep compassion for people living with brain disorders and their families. Raise our awareness of how we can create a supportive and safe spiritual community for people who feel isolated, shunned and ashamed. Inspire us to reach out in love as a sign of your radical hospitality and grace. Encourage us to receive the gifts that are given by all, including those who are living with mental health challenges. Amen.
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.
Cindy Holtrop, Pathways to Promise (Used with permission.)
Copy the next two handouts for display in your congregation. Use them for individual outreach needs and action ideas for your community.
Your generous donation to continue our work is deeply appreciated.
LSPM presents mental health and suicide prevention awareness to students and practicing Pastors in the area at Lutheran School of Theology Chicago, March 30, 2017. Pictures are left to right: Sherry Bryant, Lutheran Suicide Prevention Ministry, Co-chair and Brooke Peterson, staff at LSTC.
