A Prayer for a Loved One Struggling with Depression

Lord, I am watching someone I love disappear a little more each day, and I feel helpless. I see the dimming in their eyes, the way they cancel plans and go quiet, and I do not know how to reach them. I am scared, and I am tired, and I do not always know the right thing to say.

I confess I sometimes get frustrated, then ashamed of my frustration. I want to fix this for them and I cannot, and the powerlessness wears me down.

So I bring them to You by name, lifting them into Your hands because Yours are stronger and steadier than mine.

Reach the places in them that I cannot reach. Surround them with the right people, the right help, a counselor or doctor or friend who can carry what I am not equipped to carry. And give me wisdom to stay close without smothering, to listen more than I fix, to keep showing up.

You are the God of all comfort who comforts us so that we can comfort others. Pour that comfort through me into them, and refill me when I run dry.

I surrender my loved one and my own fear to You. I cannot save them, but You can hold them, and I trust them to Your care tonight. Keep them here. Keep them loved. Amen.