A Liturgy for Thoughts of Suicide

September is suicide awareness month. For those of us experiencing suicidal thoughts, those of us walking with loved ones who are, or those of us who have lost a loved one to suicide, we are all too aware. This liturgy is an offering, meant to provide a framework of prayer for an experience so desperate words often fail it. If you are struggling, please know you are wanted on this earth. Your life is valuable. You are valuable. There are crisis resources at the end of this post.

My lungs are collapsed, as am I
Weary, burdened, and downcast
Aching soul, despairing bones,
I am clothed in shame and mourning

The thought waxes and wanes, 
“Is this life worth living?”
I cannot go on,
So I turn to Life itself:

O Breath of Life, breathe into this weary soul
Make it inhale again

O Creator of Life, create in me a new spirit
Remove the muck and mire from my bones

O Christ, resurrect my mournful marrow
Restore to me the joy of Your Spirit

O Giver of Life, this life is a gift
Grant me the vision to see it as so

[Hand on heart]
This day, this moment, I choose to be
Committed to wandering alive with thee

Crisis and Support Resources:
Crisis Line - 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433
Mental Health Support Line (no area code needed) - 310-6789
Online Chat Service for Youth - http://www.youthinbc.com/
Online Chat Service for Adults - https://crisiscentrechat.ca/
Wellness Together Phone Counselling - https://www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-ca/service/talk
Willow Tree Low Cost Counselling List - https://willowtreecounselling.ca/wp-content/themes/willowtree/reduced-cost-counselling.pdf

For a downloadable or printable version of this liturgy, click here.