Prayer for a loved one / church family member going through depression


Depression is real and active for many Christians in this spiritual battle. 

Depression is repressed anger, or would we rather have anger? 

Most of us don't want to act out of anger (I don't) so instead we turn it inward. And suffer. 

Below is a prayer for those who are suffering depression. I have, and now I'm back out of it. But my husband recently told me that a couple of the men in our church (our strong men, strong leaders) battle both depression and anxiety. (They often go hand in hand.) 

Depression also causes discouragement. Our former pastor (now in heaven) had told us that he felt that could possibly be the enemy's biggest and best weapon. When someone feels discouraged, they are uninspired, feel worthless, and question their purpose or being. 

It's a temptation common to man! (1 Cor. 10:13) according to Jon Bloom over at Desiring God, it's not to be wallowed in or entertained in any way; it is costly and can zap us of our energy, vision and time; instead, it's to be fought! 

Child of Christ, you are fearfully, wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14) and you are watched like the- MORE than-- the sparrows in the field (Matthew). 


Dear Lord,
You know my heart is breaking for my loved one/ church family and you see the pain they are going through. You know that I want to help but I am at a loss as to what to do. Please help me in this situation with my loved one / church family. Please give me the wisdom and discernment to hear your voice as to what I should say or do. Soften my heart so that I can empathize with them and give them the best comfort possible. Please help them to see my questions and reminders as a way of showing how much I care for them and not to be overbearing. If they need help finding resources, please bring them to my attention in such a way that I will know they came from you. If it is your will that I accompany my loved one to their first doctor’s or counseling appointment, please help my loved one to open up to me. I pray for peace, comfort, wisdom and healing for all parties involved. In your name, we pray. Amen.



References:

10 Ways to Respond to a Loved One Exhibiting Signs of Depression (crosswalk.com)

Don’t Let Discouragement Choke You | Desiring God

  • 10. Pray.

    10. Pray.

    Depression can be a delicate thing. Watching your loved one suffer is so hard, and yet, it is easy to still be at a loss. Are you still struggling with not knowing what to say or what to do? You can pray right now.

    Dear Lord,
    You know my heart is breaking for my loved one and you see the pain they are going through. You know that I want to help but I am at a loss as to what to do. Please help me in this situation with my loved one. Please give me the wisdom and discernment to hear your voice as to what I should say or do. Soften my heart so that I can empathize with them and give them the best comfort possible. Please help them to see my questions and reminders as a way of showing how much I care for them and not to be overbearing. If they need help finding resources, please bring them to my attention in such a way that I will know they came from you. If it is your will that I accompany my loved one to their first doctor’s or counseling appointment, please help my loved one to open up to me. I pray for peace, comfort, wisdom and healing for all parties involved. In your name I pray. Amen.

  • 10. Pray.

    10. Pray.

    Depression can be a delicate thing. Watching your loved one suffer is so hard, and yet, it is easy to still be at a loss. Are you still struggling with not knowing what to say or what to do? You can pray right now.

    Dear Lord,
    You know my heart is breaking for my loved one and you see the pain they are going through. You know that I want to help but I am at a loss as to what to do. Please help me in this situation with my loved one. Please give me the wisdom and discernment to hear your voice as to what I should say or do. Soften my heart so that I can empathize with them and give them the best comfort possible. Please help them to see my questions and reminders as a way of showing how much I care for them and not to be overbearing. If they need help finding resources, please bring them to my attention in such a way that I will know they came from you. If it is your will that I accompany my loved one to their first doctor’s or counseling appointment, please help my loved one to open up to me. I pray for peace, comfort, wisdom and healing for all parties involved. In your name I pray. Amen.

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