Manic depression, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders can be difficult for those diagnosed as well as for the people who love them. The following prayers — prayer after mental health diagnosis, prayer for family of the mentally ill, blessing for the treatment of psychiatric disorder, and thanksgiving for healing of a mental illness — may be used by Christians who are seeking to ask God for guidance and blessings as they struggle with mental illness, either in the self or a friend or loved one.
Prayer After Mental Health Diagnosis
Learning one has depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or another psychiatric disorder is a life-changing event. The following prayer asks God to guide and bless the individual newly diagnosed and his or her family:
"God, be with [insert individual newly diagnosed with mental illness here] as he/she struggling with having [insert psychiatric disorder here]. Free [insert newly diagnosed individual] from negative thoughts or fears about this condition. Instead, help him/her reach out and do what needs to be done for a healthy and happy life. Be with all who love and support [insert newly diagnosed individual], especially [insert names of specific family or friends, if desired], that all might move forward united in You. Amen."
This prayer might be offered to a Christian family or friends after revealing news of a new mental health diagnosis, or to increase support for the newly diagnosed.
Prayer for Family of the Mentally Ill
Blessing for the Treatment of a Psychiatric Disorder
The treatment of a mental health condition is a long, windy road for many individuals and their loved ones. The following prayer invokes God's blessing in healing a mental illness:
An episode of mental illness can transform a loved one into a stranger. For the Christian family and friends who grieve the changes in their loved one, this prayer asks God for strength and hope:
God of healing grace, be with those who love [insert name of individual struggling with mental illness]. Let us trust not in the confusion and fear surrounding [insert individual with psychiatric disorder]'s condition, but in Your power and might to return our loved one to us. Remind us of Your love. Help us support [insert individual with mental illness]'s recovery with patience and compassion. In Your loving and precious name, Amen."
Blessing for the Treatment of a Psychiatric Disorder
The treatment of a mental health condition is a long, windy road for many individuals and their loved ones. The following prayer invokes God's blessing in healing a mental illness:
"God of power and might, be with [insert individual struggling with mental illness] as he/she seeks to treat his/her [insert name of psychiatric disorder] with [insert method of treatment]. Guide him/her and those who love him/her on this journey, that all might find healing and peace. Be our light in the darkness, God, and lead the way, now and always. Amen."
Thanksgiving for Healing of a Mental Illness
With medication, therapy, hospitalization, and other interventions, a person diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder can experience healing. The following thanksgiving celebrates a milestone in treatment of a mental health condition:
"God, thank you for healing [insert individual diagnosed with mental health condition] in body, spirit, and mind. We rejoice in [insert specific progress in treating psychiatric disorder]. Please continue to bless and guide [insert individual with mental health condition] and all who love him/her in his/her journey, that more healing and peace may come to those who love [insert person with psychiatric disorder]. Amen."
This prayer might be offered as part of a party or other celebration to mark a milestone in a loved one's mental health such as conclusion of therapy, coming home from the hospital, or finding a medication that eradicates unwanted symptoms.
Mental illness challenges those diagnosed as well as everyone who loves them. For a Christian who believes in prayer, God becomes an added support to those seeking healing in a psychiatric disorder.
by Melissa Roberts, 12/2009
