We lift up your beloved family member before the Lord, knowing that He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Depression can feel like a heavy burden, but we serve a God who carries our sorrows and offers hope beyond what we can see. Let us first ensure that our prayers are rooted in the name of Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:18). There is no other name by which we can be saved, and it is in His name that we boldly approach the throne of grace (Acts 4:12, Hebrews 4:16).
We pray that your family member would turn to the Lord with all their heart, for He is the source of true comfort and peace. May they find strength in His presence, as the Psalmist declares, *"Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence"* (Psalm 42:5). Let them cast all their anxieties on Him, because He cares for them (1 Peter 5:7). We ask that the Lord would surround them with His love, lifting the weight of despair and replacing it with the joy of His salvation.
If this family member has not yet placed their faith in Jesus Christ, we urge you to share the hope of the Gospel with them. *"If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"* (Romans 10:9). True and lasting peace comes only through a relationship with Christ, who conquered sin and death so that we might have life abundantly (John 10:10).
We also encourage you to walk alongside them with patience and love, pointing them to Scripture and reminding them of God’s promises. *"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"* (Philippians 4:6-7). Sometimes depression can feel isolating, but they are not alone—God is with them, and He has placed you in their life to be a light.
If there are any unconfessed sins, bitterness, or unresolved issues in their life, we pray they would seek the Lord’s forgiveness and make things right where possible. Sin can weigh heavily on the soul, but *"if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9). Let them release anything that may be hindering their walk with God.
Finally, we pray for wisdom for you as you support them. May the Lord give you the right words to speak and the discernment to know how best to help. *"Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear"* (Ephesians 4:29). Trust that the Lord is working, even when progress seems slow.
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus, lifting up this precious soul who is struggling under the weight of depression. Lord, You know their pain, their weariness, and their deepest needs. We ask that You would draw them close to You, filling them with Your peace that transcends all understanding. Break the chains of despair and replace them with the hope found only in You. Surround them with Your love and remind them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Give them the strength to take one step at a time, trusting in Your faithfulness.
We also pray for their family, that You would unite them in love and faith, supporting one another through this trial. Grant them wisdom to know how to help and the patience to walk this journey with grace. Lord, we ask for healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—and we trust in Your perfect timing.
May Your will be done in their life, and may they come to know You more deeply through this season. We ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.