Last summer, I attended a funeral for a 15-year-old boy who committed suicide.
This was the most difficult thing I have had to do during my years of ministry.
To see each family member walk in behind the coffin was something I hope to never see again.
Suicide rates have been rising each year.
Many people admit to having thoughts of suicide. I know that the love of God can overcome the dark thoughts that many face.
Here are nine powerful prayers with Bible verses: My hope is that the following prayers will bring peace and comfort to you and your loved ones.
Hebrews 10:23: Hope in the darkness
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Merciful God, I come today asking for hope in this darkness. Increase our faith today. I am in a dark place today, God. I have thoughts of hopelessness. God’s word says that you are my source of strength.
I am asking you to show me your power so that I can find hope in this time of darkness.
I ask that you let your light shine in my darkness. Erase the darkness and bring me your light and hope.
God of Hope, I come today asking for the power to overcome the darkness in my soul.
There are times when I fear that suicide is the only option. When I have those thoughts, remind me that you are my light.
I pray this in the name of our merciful Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
1 Corinthians 10:13: Break from the pressure of teen life.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Gracious God, we come today to ask you to ease the pressure in our teenagers lives. Our teenagers need your grace and mercy.
Teen suicide is on the rise. Lord, this shows me that, as a society, we have let down the next generation.
I hear stories of very young people who have lost hope. Remind our young people that they are not alone.
You want to give them a way to escape the dark thoughts of death that they have.
Our young people need to feel the mercy of God.
And I ask that you show me how to lead them toward you and your mercy.
I pray this in the name of our sovereign Lord. Amen.
Ephesians 5:29–30: Freedom from Self-Harm
No one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it, just as Christ cares for his body, the Church, of which we are parts.
Dear God, I have a loved one who needs freedom from self-harm. We need your spiritual healing today.
The pain must be great if our young people feel the need to purposefully harm themselves.
You are an ever-present help in times of trouble.
And when our young people want to harm themselves, they need to know that they can come to you for help.
Give the school counselors the wisdom they need when they talk to students struggling with this issue.
I pray this through the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Philippians 4:8: Overcome sadness.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
O God, I am asking you today to give me the chance to overcome the sadness in my life.
Keep me safe from the evil spirits that want to harm me. Take away the spirit of fear and give me the spirit of trust.
Sadness seems to be all around me. I feel as if I am drowning in sadness.
But God, I need your help to take away the sadness and bring me your pure joy.
I pray this in the name of the Son, Jesus. Amen.
Matthew 18:20: Finding a community.
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
Father God, I have a loved one who is hurting and needs to find a community where she can blossom.
I hear stories of people who found hope once they found a community, and I want that for my loved one.
I have read that the best suicide prevention is being in a community with others who have found hope.
I want them to know they are not alone. I know that we are meant to be in a community. Send the right people to them, who will build them up and not tear them down.
I know the right community is so important.
I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Philippians 4:6–8: Courage to ask for help
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus
Lord God, I need courage to ask for help. I don’t know how to tell others about the thoughts that are ringing in my ear.
I know that I need professional help, but I am to afraid to ask.
Give me the courage to speak up and tell others that I need help.
I plead this in the name of the Holy Father. Amen.
Deuteronomy 31:8: Defeat the spirit of depression.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Living God, today I plead with you to defeat the spirit of depression that is all around me.
I am pleading with you to let me feel like myself again. I feel as if I am a stranger in my own life.
I want to feel the way I once did. The Bible says you have not forsaken me, but you feel so very far away.
I want to feel you near me and around me. I need you.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
John 10:10 A survivor of suicide
The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full
Dear Heavenly Father, today I come to you with great sadness. Someone I love has tried to end their own life.
O Lord, I am praying for my loved one who has survived a suicide attempt. Heal our wounds, God.
We have physical wounds from the attempt, and we have emotional wounds. The path of life leads towards you, God.
I need your help as I talk to them, and show them your love and kindness.
I don’t want to say the wrong things; I want to only say the words you give me.
Please, God, take away these feelings they have.
Show them that the permanent solution to their problems is God’s grace, not death. Let them see how much they are loved and needed.
In Jesus name. Amen.
Matthew 11:28: The family left behind after a suicide.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Dear Lord, I am bringing to your throne a family that has been left behind since their loved one committed suicide. Things seem impossible and dire right now, and we don’t see a way out.
I watched them walk behind the casket of their family member, and I can see the pain is beyond words.
I don’t know how to talk to them. I don’t know how to show them love. I need your wisdom.
As they grieve, please let them feel that you are close by.
God, you said that we could give our heavy burdens to you, and you would give us rest.
This is the heaviest burden any person can carry. Please bear this burden. And give them your rest. They need your peace today.
In your name, we pray. Amen.