Isaiah 43:1b-2
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Lord,
in the Garden of Gethsemane
you shared with everyone
who has ever been afraid.
You conquered fear with love
and returned saying,
‘Do not be afraid.’
In the light of your love
death has lost its sting
and so has fear.
Lord, may your love
be the key that releases me
from fear.
Frank Topping
PSALM 34:18-20
The righteous cry out, the Lord hears
and he rescues them from all their afflictions.
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted,
saves those whose spirit is crushed.
Loving God, you are always near to us,
especially when we are weak, suffering and vulnerable.
Reach out to those who experience mental illness.
Reach out to those who love them.
Reach out to those who care for them.
Lift their burdens, calm their anxiety, and quiet their fears.
Surround them with your healing presence
that they may know that they are not alone.
Protect us from mental illness or journey with us through it.
May we journey alongside those who are suffering.
We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen