There has been a lot of emphasis placed recently on mental health issues, and rightly so, for too often in the past these have been pushed under the carpet, considered a dark secret that cannot be shared; even, in many cases, something to be ashamed of. When the mind is affected by despair, depression or illness, the consequences can be devastating, both for the sufferer and for their loved ones. There are no easy answers to such problems; the road back is frequently long and hard, and in the case of illnesses like Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, there may be no road back at all. In the following intercessory poem, from my book In a World of Tears and Sorrow, we simply but sincerely pray for all those facing problems of the mind, asking God to bring them help and hope,
We pray for those who suffer
from problems of the mind;
who yearn for help and healing;
who seek but cannot find;
who wrestle with depression
and can’t hold back the tears;
who combat inner demons –
a host of unnamed fears.
We pray for those in tumult,
their minds in slow decline,
afflicted by conditions
that cruelly undermine –
so many thoughts that trouble,
that frighten and confuse;
so much we take for granted
that now they stand to lose.
We pray for those who daily
need treatment and support;
their mental health a battle –
a war forever fought.
May counselling and treatment
help all such conflict cease;
bring quietness of spirit –
the joy of inner peace.