Prayer for the suicidal

Lord Jesus, we bring to You our brothers and sisters who are being rammed by this cruellest attack against their souls.

We pray that Your heavenly and earthly angels will support them when they are at their lowest.

May they always find a friendly hand to hold, pray with them and bring them back to healing. Break the strongholds of suicide.

Deliver people right now and forever – by the mighty power of Your Precious Blood, Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer if you are feeling suicidal 

Father God,

The darkness has taken hold me and I can’t find my way back to the light. In this moment, ending it all seems like the best option, the only option, the only way to escape. Yet, there is something in me that wants your light to snuff out the darkness. So I ask, Lord, that you would do just that. You are the only light that can shine in the darkness.

I know when I’m consumed with thoughts of death I’m believing lies from the enemy. I ask Lord that You would remind me of these truths: when I feel alone, You are with me; when I feel invisible, You see me; when I feel worthless, my value is knowing You and being known by You.

Lord, help me to understand that You are enough, because You are everything I need and more. Remind me that when I feel hopeless, You have hope in me and for me. Remind me that

I often feel out of place in this world , Lord. I don’t fit in and I’m not sure I want to. Remind me that this world is not my home and while, as Your child, I will never fit in here, my time here isn’t over. Not yet. Please, give me the desire to live.

When I feel like I don’t matter, remind me that I was created with purpose. When I don’t know or understand why I feel the way I feel – remind me that You know the depth of pain in my heart, in my body and in my being. You know me better than I know myself… and yet you still love me.

When I feel like my death would go unnoticed because my life seems to go by uncelebrated, remind me that You celebrate me and that You hurt for me when I’m in this dark place. Remind me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and I am worth more than I know. Remind me that this life is not mine to take. Remind me that suicide is not the only option. Remind me to love You and to love myself.

As I say these words I know in my heart that You love me and I feel incredible guilt for wanting to take the life You gave me. I feel embarrassed to admit these thoughts to You. I feel overwhelmed that You know these thoughts without my even saying them, and yet You still love me. Remind me that Jesus did not come to earth and die for me so that I could live a defeated life. Help me to desire life and to live fully in You.

In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Prayer for the suicidal 

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, please 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 fulfilment; where there is suffering in mind and body, bring healing. God of hope, hear our prayer for life.

Father God, we celebrate the gift of life for each person. We commit to nurturing the wellbeing 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.

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.

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.

(Special thanks to Cindy Holtrop, Pathways to Promise – for the last part of the prayer)