We stand with you in prayer and support for those who are suicidal and experiencing distress. It's important to acknowledge that every life is precious and that God cares deeply for each person. Bullying, whether it comes from family, classmates, or coworkers, is wrong and harmful. We must speak up against it and seek help from trusted sources, such as counselors, especially when it leads to feelings of hopelessness.
Firstly, it's crucial to address the spiritual foundation of our prayers. It is only through the name of Jesus Christ that we have access to God. As it is written in Acts 4:12 WEB, "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved." This is a fundamental truth that we must hold onto in all our prayers and supplications.
For those who are suicidal, it's important to remember, and we must believe you are heard and loved by God. Psalm 34:18 WEB reminds us, "Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit." Suicide is never the solution, and it is a cry for help. We must encourage those who are struggling to seek professional help and turn to God for comfort and strength. "Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22 WEB.
We pray for those who are feeling alone, struggling to find a job, or dealing with the loss of a loved one. May they find comfort and hope in God's presence. "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 WEB.
We also pray for the families and friends of those who have lost someone to suicide. May they find peace and healing in God's love. "He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3 WEB.
Lastly, we must address the issue of bullying, but also how we must respond to it. It must first be identified as a sin. We must always rebuke any person who is guilty of bullying. We as Christians must not be guilty of this charge. We must also encourage any victim to report, tell on, or expose their bullies. We are never called to "snitch", but we must expose evil deeds. We must also be willing to bear a little bullying ourselves. Matthew 5:11-12 WEB "Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Let us pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We lift up those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, feeling alone, and hopeless. We pray that they may find comfort and hope in Your presence. Help them to cast their burdens upon You and trust in Your love and mercy. We pray for their healing and restoration, that they may find a reason to live and serve You.
We also pray for those who have lost someone to suicide. May they find peace and healing in Your love. Comfort them in their grief and help them to trust in Your goodness.
We pray for the bullied and the bullies. Help those who are being bullied speak up so they can get the help they need. Rebuke those who are guilty of this sin. For Lord Jesus you said in Luke 6:31 WEB, "As you would like people to do to you, do exactly likewise to them."
We ask all these things in accordance with Your will, in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately from a mental health professional or trusted counselor. God loves you and wants to help you through this difficult time.