The stigma attached to suffering from mental illness can be even more intense for people of color. While feelings of shame and guilt can be woven into any experience of mental health suffering, in minority communities there may be an added assumption that mental illness indicates a ‘lack of strength’, or ‘lack of faith’ which makes those feelings all the more isolating. During the month of July, we hold in prayer in a particular way, members of communities of color who also suffer from mental illness. We pray for their acceptance and healing, and the acceptance and support of those who love and care for them. Quiet your heart as we prepare now to pray together.

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“I sought the LORD, and he answered me, delivered me from all my fears. Look to him and be radiant, and your faces may not blush for shame.” Psalm 34:5-6

Please respond: Walk with us, always, Oh God.

We pray for those suffering from mental illness, especially those doubly marginalized as members of communities of color: may they feel seen with compassion, and supported in their journey of processing, acceptance, and healing. We pray to the Lord:

Walk with us, always, Oh God.

We pray for those family, friends, mental health professionals and other caregivers who attend to the holistic well-being of suffering loved ones: may they care for themselves well such that they can offer continued strength and empathy to the suffering. We pray to the Lord:

Walk with us, always, Oh God.

We pray for all those for whom their mental suffering has led them to an experience of homelessness, incarceration, or other similar circumstance: as a community, may we work together to offer these individuals the additional support they need. We pray to the Lord:

Walk with us, always, Oh God.

We pray that the darkness of stigma, marginalization, exclusion and racism might be dispelled by the enlightenment of understanding, acceptance, compassion, and love: may we hold steadfast with that light, that all may experience peace. We pray to the Lord:

Walk with us, always, Oh God.

Let us pray:

God, we trust that you will always walk with us in our suffering.

Make yourself known to us, oh God, that we might feel you at work when the world feels darkest.

Grant, we pray, Oh God, that those brothers and sisters who feel tormented by their minds, and betrayed by their bodies, may find their hope in you and in the care of those who love them.

Grant, we pray, Oh God, that family, friends and other caregivers might hear the call of the suffering, responding in love, compassion and empathy.

Through Christ, our Lord, we pray: AMEN.