Take a minute this week to pray for those who are living with a mental illness.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in four adults–approximately 60 million Americans–experiences a mental health disorder in a given year, so we don’t have to look far.

Last Sunday, I attended the 25th Annual Candlelight Vigil Scripture Service, sponsored by NAMI at the start of Mental Illness Awareness Week, held at the First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. The liturgy noted that many of us “are still uniformed about mental illness and how it impacts people and their families.” When you pray, please add these words from their liturgy:

“Lord God, we pray for courage to challenge the old notions about mental illness which created guilt and shame in so many lives. For all who cannot advocate for themselves, awaken in us a voice that will not be silenced. Lead us by your light and help us to bring light into dark places. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”