A Prayer about Caring for the Mentally Ill
A Prayer about Caring for the Mentally Ill
Comforting Father,
We lift up all who are affected by mental illness.
Sadly, because of our ignorance about mental illness,
many of the mentally ill suffer “secondary wounds.”
Both the afflicted and their families have suffered
quick-fix by faith cures,
condemnation of behavior,
or exile from the body.
As we look to our Lord Jesus,
who came alongside the mentally afflicted
and often healed but always cared,
make us more like him.
Help us to be sensitive,
to consider the context of suffering,
to listen well,
to remember the hope we have to offer—
the incarnate, resurrected, and ascended Christ
will one day come again
to redeem and restore all broken bodies.
How we ache for that day.
In Christ’s restoring name. Amen.
Read 1 Peter 5:10; Matthew 11:28-30; Matthew 4:24; Romans 15:13.