We are living in a time where we are more emotionally and mentally intelligent than ever before. One of the beautiful things about that is our understanding and awareness of mental illness and our compassion for those who live with it. Jesus did not come just to heal us physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Anxiety, panic disorder, suicidal ideation, PTSD, and trauma, to name a few, can be both isolating and debilitating. We may deal with these issues ourselves or love someone who does.
Whether these struggles are chemical in nature, spiritual, or a combination of both, they are not the original design God intended for us to walk in. Jesus came to set us free. He heals all diseases and all types of hurt. He has power and authority over all sicknesses and all spirits. We see in part, but God sees in whole. He has the whole picture of our circumstances, our experiences, our hormones, and our mental health. He knows what triggers our physiological responses and thought processes. When God says nothing is impossible for him, that includes healing mental illness and restoring mental health.
God is the master neurologist and master neurosurgeon. Since he created the brain, he knows how to rewire the short circuits, fill in neural pathways created from trauma, and recreate safe thought patterns. We can trust him with our mental health every step of the way as he moves in us to heal. Thank you, Jesus, there is hope for mental health in you.
As we approach WPHG, let’s contend as a united body, for freedom from all mental health challenges. Anxiety is especially prevalent today, particularly among our youth. Let’s pray for the eradication of anxiety in our church family. Let’s boldly contend that Bridgeway would be a place where you are loved and welcome with mental health needs but you don’t get to go home with them! Lord, come in power to heal, deliver, and set people free from all forms of anxiety.
Listening Prayer: How do you want us to pray specifically for those we know who are dealing with mental health issues? What is the most loving, God-honoring way to minister to them? How can I partner with you in bringing healing to those who desire to be set free? Pray as the Holy Spirit directs.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, it is with great love and compassion that we come before you today interceding for each person suffering from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic disorders, chemical imbalances, Tourettes, ADHD, bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, suicidal ideologies, and all forms of mental health challenges. God we ask for the complete healing and eradication of it all. Lord, we thank you that you are the one who designed our brains, developed our emotions, and are intimately acquainted with the intricacies of how they work. You know each neuron, each neural pathway. You know the exact amount of neurotransmitters we need for perfect chemical and hormonal balance. We ask in the name of Jesus, that you restore brains to the original design in which they were intended to function properly.
We ask, Holy Spirit, that you go into each traumatic memory and bring healing and freedom. Would you reveal your deep love and remove the crippling lingering effects of those injustices. May the memories no longer dictate how we respond. May you remove all triggers that hinder us, any false senses of protection our bodies have used to cope, and would you replace them with your love, peace, and protection spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Lord, we proclaim that you are their healer and protector. May you give each one of us courage as we put our trust and faith in you.
Holy Spirit, you have dominion over every spirit. In the name of Jesus, as a unified body, we command all unclean tormenting spirits who are causing mental health disorders or are exacerbating them, to stop. We command you to leave and go where Jesus tells you to. We forbid you to return.
Holy Spirit, we pray that people are being set free as we pray now and will continue to be set free both at WPHG and in our church from this point forward. Increase our power, authority, wisdom, and discernment as intercessors on behalf of those who need freedom. We ask for your healing and deliverance prayer strategies, counseling strategies, and support strategies as these healings are walked out. We ask for eyes to see, ears to hear, and minds to understand. Thank you for your healing power. In Jesus’ matchless name, Amen!
Resources: Bible Verses For Mental Health
1 Peter 5:6-11
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Isaiah 53:4-5
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
Psalm 34:4-5
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”