I find it intriguing to see what National days and what Awareness days there are for certain dates of the year. The US national days are particularly extensive - today the US are marking 7 national days, including Devil's Food Cake Day, Endangered Species Day, and Pizza Party Day!
In the UK, we are a little more selective. Last Saturday was Hummus Day and World Cocktail Day, beginning this week for the next month we remember National Smile Month and tomorrow on 20th May it's my kind of day - World Whisky Day, closely followed by National Tea Day on Sunday!
This week, as you may know, it is Mental Health Awareness Week, and so as we stop to pray today, let's take the opportunity to remember all those who struggle with their mental health and also take time to protect our own as we journey through life.
Let's pray...
Lord, there is so much in the world that causes stress in our lives, so much that makes us anxious, even depressed, at times. We thank you for standing by us when our lives seem bleak or too difficult, for giving us hope when we feel hopeless, for picking us up when we fall down. We pray for those who are struggling today, for those whose mental health is at the root of their problem and those who are struggling to see any way of feeling differently in the future.
We remember today all those for whom life seems unbearable, for those whose lives are filled with darkness, who lack the ability to even get up and face the world or who feel unable to look beyond their blackness to experience any light.
We think of young people who are finding exams stressful, those who are being bullied or struggling to fit in, those who see the world in different ways, those who have unrealistic images of what they should look like, and those who go home to difficult family circumstances.
We remember those who are unwell, those who are lonely, those who feel stuck in their current circumstances, those who are struggling because of what they face at home, those who are scared of what the future holds and those who wonder if their lives will ever change for the better.
Lord, help us to remember the importance of looking after ourselves and those around us. May we always know your love in our lives and when we face those times of difficulty, may we turn to you for what we need to get us through. Help us always to face challenge knowing you are there holding our hands and may we always be prepared to hold our hands out to help others who are struggling too.
For we ask all our prayers in Jesus' name, Amen
Catherine Booton
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