Liturgies & Rituals with a Mental Health Theme
Candle Lighting Service
Candle Lighting Service
Leader: Each candle represents realities in the life of a person with a brain disorder and their family. We will pray for each category and light a candle. As each candle is lit, please contemplate compassionately—or put yourself in the place of the people who suffer and deal with these realities.
1. We pray for those who have been lost to suicide.
2. We pray for those who contemplate suicide.
3. We pray for those who are missing persons.
4. We pray for those who are living on the street.
5. We pray for those who are in homeless shelters.
6. We pray for those who are hospitalized today.
7. We pray for those who have ended up in prison.
8. We pray for those who struggle daily with rejection and stigma.
9. We pray for the children who have a brain disorder.
10. We pray for those who are in an appropriate, competent treatment program.
11. We pray for those who are stabilized.
12. We pray for those who are holding down jobs.
13. We pray for comfort and support for family members.
14. We pray for inspiration and guidance for medical personnel and providers providing care.
AMEN.
prepared as a bulletin insert by ‘The Lutheran Network on Mental Illness/Brain Disorders’ (a joint effort of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church - Missouri
Synod.)
CANDLE LIGHTING SERVICE ~ Carole J. Wills
We light the candle of truth that God will help us dispel ignorance and misinformation about major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.
(Moment of silent prayer)
We light the candle of healing that troubled minds and hearts, broken lives and relationships might be healed.
(Moment of silent prayer)
We light the candle of understanding that the darkness of stigma, labels, exclusion and marginalization might be dispelled for the sake of those touched by mental illness.
(Moment of silent prayer)
We light the candle of hope for persons and families living with mental illness, for better treatment, for steadier recovery, for greater opportunity to work and serve.
(Moment of silent prayer)
We light the candle of thankfulness for compassionate, dedicated caregivers and mental health professionals, for new discoveries in brain research and better medications.
(Moment of silent prayer)
We light the candle of faith to dispel doubt and despair for those who have lost hope and are discouraged.
(Moment of silent prayer)
We light the candle of steadfast love to remind us of God’s love and faithfulness and to remind us to share the light of love and service for those living with mental illness.
(Moment of silent prayer)
Other Options
• After lighting the candles, participants can be invited to come forward and light a votive candle while saying the name of someone they wish to pray for aloud or in their heart.
• Other types of candles can be used and a song can be incorporated.
• Another option is to have a fountain or bowl of water in the center of the candles. Participants can come forward and take a stone, colored marble or shell from the water and take it with them as a reminder of their personal prayer.
from NAMI FaithNet resources for National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding