The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34: 17-18
The magazine Psychology Today says that mental health problems are afflicting a growing number of people in our society, including young people. Many Christians are struggling with emotional and mental issues and need our prayers and support.
Findings from the State of Ottawa’s Health Report 2023 demonstrate:
An estimated 60% of residents of Ottawa rated their mental health as very good or excellent in 2019/2020, an approximate 8 to 10% decrease from previous years.
An estimated 12% (100,600 people) rated their mental health as fair to poor. Self-rated mental health tends to be lowest among females, those aged 20 to 44, those in the lowest two income quintiles, those living in an urban setting, renters, and those living alone.
Self-harm is among the leading causes of injury-related hospitalizations among those aged 15 to 44. This is similar to what has been seen in previous reports.
While mental health is generally better than during the pandemic, the needs are growing in Ottawa. Can the Church make a difference? I believe it can. In other reports, people of faith have been found to be more resilient than those who report no faith. Being connected with a loving and supportive community goes a long way to providing positive mental health.
God is compassionate toward those who are broken-hearted and crushed in spirit. Let us lift up those who are suffering in our church and across our City. Prayer for Mental Health
Prayer Points
Christians will be channels of God’s love to those who are suffering from mental issues.
Wait times for care and counseling will greatly diminish, and no one in dire need will be turned away.
God will bring peace to families and single people who are dealing with mental and emotional pressures.
Workers in high-pressure jobs will receive support and time to recover from mental concerns.
Christian counsellors and others in mental health jobs will see God at work in the people they counsel.
Christian agencies and mental health institutions such as the Royal Ottawa Hospital will receive the financial support to meet the needs of Ottawa residents.
Christians will reach out to young people who are particularly vulnerable to mental and emotional problems.