Prayers for Those Living in Darkness

For Those Battling Cancer or Other Life-Threatening or Chronic Disease
Lord Christ, by your own scourging and crucifixion, you yourself were broken in body and spirit. And so you intimately know and understand the brokenness of our own bodies. This disease/illness has shaken us to the very core of who we are and we are afraid. And yet by your stripes we have been made whole. Help us to trust in you that though our bodies may now be broken and diseased physically, you will bring wholeness to the entirety of our lives, in body and in spirit. Grant us the strength and grace to endure what we must endure. And in your due time, raise us up to new life with you. May this suffering not be in vain but used to draw us ever closer to you and to the fullness of life that you desire for us. For our life depends not upon the wellness of our bodies but upon your great mercies. Grant this for your great love’s sake. Amen.

For the Loss of a Dream
Lord, it seems like only yesterday that we dared to dream our dreams. But now all of that is too quickly gone as the flowers of the fields. But you, O Lord, who are the Alpha and the Omega, are the same yesterday, today, and forever. For you never change and your tender mercies and love never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great, indeed, is your faithfulness. Rekindle within us a sure confidence that you will rebuild the now seeming ruins of our lives. You are the God who works wonders and you desire for us far better things than we can ever hope for or imagine. Help us to rest in that great promise. For your mercy’s sake, we pray. Amen.

For a Major Transition in Life
Loving Father, you know how we yearn in our innermost being for the need for stability, for a strong anchor amid the storms and uncertainties of life. Yet life is a journey and the circumstances of that journey have now changed. And we feel disoriented and unsure of the way ahead. But you never change and your care for us never ceases. Guide us along the right paths as we transition from one stage of our lives to one that is known only to you. Send forth your light to illumine our path and even if the way remains dark and unsure, grant us a sure confidence and trust in you as a faithful guide and steady anchor. For you are the source of our lives and you will guide us into the fullness of life with you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

For a Person in Despair
O God, you rule over your creation with tenderness, offering fresh hope in the midst of the terrible misery. We pray for our brother/sister whose soul is blackened by despair, infusing him/her with the pure light of your love. As he/she curses the day s/he was born and yearns for oblivion, reveal to him/her the miracle of new birth which shall prepare him/her for the joys of heaven. Amen. (7th century, prayer from an Irish monk)

For People Critically Ill, or Facing Great Uncertainty
God of the present moment, God who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the frantic heart; Bring hope and courage to N as s/he/they wait/s in uncertainty. Bring hope that you will make her/him/them the equal of whatever lies ahead. Bring her/him/them courage to endure what cannot be avoided, for Your will is health and wholeness; You are God, and we need you. Amen.

For the Mentally and Emotionally Ill
Most merciful and loving Father, with whom nothing is impossible, we pray that you will restore the light of reason and wholeness to those who are in mental or emotional darkness and despair. May your great love encompass them and may all discord and confusion be dispelled until your eternal peace and tranquility possess their souls; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mighty God, in Jesus Christ you deal with spirits that darken our minds and set us against ourselves. Give peace to those who are torn by conflict, cast down, or lost in worlds of illusion. By your power, drive from our minds demons that shake confidence and wreck love. Tame unruly forces within us, and bring us your truth, so that we may accept ourselves as your beloved children in Jesus Christ. Amen.

For Relief from Depression
Father God, the gloom of depression has taken hold of my life. Everywhere that I turn I seem to encounter only pain, layer upon layer of pain. My eyes constantly stream with tears. I hurt. Your presence seems so distant. And my friends stand aloof and darkness seems to be my one companion. Come into the gloom and agony of my mind and breathe your gentle Holy Spirit to sweep away the fog of depression and anxiety. And fill me with your gentle, healing presence so that I may know wholeness once more. Through your Son Jesus Christ, the One who comes to make us whole. Amen.

For the Victims of Addiction
O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen.

Gracious God, the helper of all who put their trust in you, we pray for those who are enslaved by intoxicants or by some evil habit, especially _________. Give them, O Lord, the desire and the will to be free, and the grace to continue in the right way; and show us how to help them and to lead them to you who is our hope and strength. Through Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Trying to Find a Way Ahead
Lord, you promised that the night is as bright as the day to you. But this present night of my life seems very dark indeed. I yearn to see some glimmer, some faint reassurance of light and to find a way through this present darkness. May I trust that even in what seems to be an impenetrable darkness that you are here, gently guiding and leading me through. And even though I do not see the way ahead, much less the path that I must trod, I trust that you will guide safely to my journey’s end. Like blind Bartimaeus I yearn to see again. Apply your healing salve to my blinded eyes so that I behold your presence. For you are the light of the world and you will make my way bright. For in your light, we see light. In your holy Name I pray. Amen.