Lord, there are shadows at the edge of my heart,

the darkness creeps nearer,

enemies lurk there, too vague to be resisted,

I can't think straight, logic has deserted me,

I fear my dreams, and dread waking early:

Help me, Lord.

May I feel your strength beneath me when I fear that I am sinking.

May your light scatter the darkness where fear hides. Bring me out to daylight and resurrection.

From 'Everyday Prayers'

 

Lord, come in your mercy to those who are weighed down by depression and can do nothing to help themselves.

Restore to them the joy and vigour they have lost,

and confidence in your saving power to give their lives meaning in this world

and to bring them to eternal life.

Give patience and understanding towards all who are hard to reach in the isolation of their minds.

Raymond Chapman,

Intercessions at the Eucharist

 

Lord of all creation,

who in the fullness of your incarnation, and on the cross,

knew what it was to feel forsaken, and therefore to know the despair of the depressed,

reveal at least the fringe of your glory to those in distress of mind.

Where they see darkness

let them see that it is your darkness in which you hold their hand,

and let there be stars to guide them.

When they see difficulties,

let them remember with renewed hope the ways of escape and triumph.

When they see evil,

let there be forgiveness

and the invasion of your grace.

Where they have an unremitting hatred of themselves,

and they are afraid of being afraid, let them know once again the power of your love for them.

And when the depression has lifted, grant them

the wisdom to be aware of weakness,

grace to avoid the valleys of vulnerability,

and such love, joy and peace

as they can both receive and bear and henceforth give

in and through your name.

Ted Burge, 'Lord of All Hear Our Prayer'