September is suicide prevention month, as someone who lost someone to suicide, it is hard to find the words to describe the pain, guilt, and grief that you experience when you go through a loss like that. My heart broke for my loved one, who saw no other way out. My mind spiraled for what could have been. My spirit ached as I wished there was a way to turn back time.
As we reflect this month, it can be hard to remember God while we remember the people we have lost or the parts of ourselves that we have lost. However, when we go through the darkness, it is the same God that was with us through the goodness. On your best day and on your worst day, it is the same God with us.
Isaiah 41:10, "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
God is with you every minute of every day. The same God that created the earth, helped David defeat Goliath, and parted the red sea is the same God that will strengthen you, help you, and hold you up when you are too tired to stand.
A Prayer for Suicide Prevention:
God, we pray against the enemies' lies today.
We pray for your endless love and truth to be known.
We pray against the pressure this world puts on us.
We pray to take the weight off our shoulders and lean on you.
We pray against expectations of what we should be.
We pray to know we are enough with you and with you alone.
We pray that those who are hurting are reminded of your love for them. That they know they are worthy of this life, you gave them.
We pray that they are reminded of the purpose they bring to this earth by being who you created them to be.
We pray that when the destructive thoughts come, they are destroyed by your Spirit of truth.
We pray that as we go through this life's difficulties, we know we worship the same God who was with us during the good. We pray to feel your presence with us.
We pray for your love to overwhelm those who are hurting today and every day.
We pray to be a source of that love to others and to remember we do not know what someone is going through, so we pray to give grace to all we encounter. Amen.