Mental Illness Awareness Interfaith Candlelight Vigil

These seven candles represent the seven days of Mental Illness Awareness Week being observed across America this week.  After we light the candles, we will bring the flame to each row.  Please “pass the flame” to your neighbor and join in the singing of a hymn.   Ushers will then dismiss us by rows to form a procession of lights that will move out onto Monument Circle for the remainder of our Candlelight Vigil program.

We light this candle of Truth — that God will help us dispel ignorance and misinformation about major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.  (Silent prayer)

We light this candle of Healing – that troubled minds and hearts, broken lives and relationships might be healed.   (Silent prayer)

We light this candle of Understanding — that the darkness of stigma, labels, exclusion and marginalization might be dispelled for the sake of those touched by mental illness.

(Silent prayer)

We light this candle of Hope — for persons and families living with mental illness, for better treatment, for steadier recovery, for greater opportunity to work and serve.

(Silent prayer)

We light this candle of Thankfulness – for compassionate, dedicated caregivers and mental health professionals; for new discoveries in brain research and better medications.

(Silent prayer)

We light this candle of Steadfast Love – to remind us of God’s love and faithfulness, and to remind us to shine His light of love and service for those living with mental illness.

(Silent prayer)

Hymn Let your Heart Be Broken (Wye Valley abridged)

1.    Let your heart be broken for a world in need.

Feed the mouths that hunger; soothe the wounds that bleed.

Give the cup of water and the loaf of bread.

Be the hands of God, now serving in His stead.

2.    Blest to be a blessing, privileged to care;

Challenged by the need apparent everywhere.

Where mankind is wanting, fill the vacant place.

Be the means through which the Lord reveals His grace.

3.    Let your heart be tender and your vision clear.

See mankind as God sees; serve Him far and near.

Let your heart be broken by a brother’s pain.

Share your rich resources; give and give again.