Traditional Catholic Prayer Against Depression by St Ignatius of Loyola
One might wonder why a Catholic prayer against depression even exists, since Catholics have every reason to have joy. Jesus himself said:
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be filled.” John 15:11.
If this is so, why is there depression in our midst?
It is because we are human, and as humans we have both low and high points.
Although depression, especially clinical depression, is very complex, as Catholics we understand that along with any physical or mental components, there is usually a spiritual component.
It is not one or the other.
Some spiritual remedies might include, prayer, confession & spiritual direction. This addresses the spiritual component.
In addition, one can consult a doctor and a therapist if care is needed for the body or the mind.
What the Catholic Prayer Against Depression Affirms
This prayer reminds us of some very important facts.
- Darkness is real. Life is not all perfume and roses.
- God is always present, although we don’t always feel his presence.
- We are weak without God, and therefore, we can find strength in God.
- We have nothing to fear.
- God’s plans for our life may be murky, but one day it will become clear.
- In the end, we should pray for God’s will in all.
Pray this prayer if you’re feeling particularly depressed or just discouraged.
St Ignatius of Loyola Prayer Against Depression
O Christ Jesus
When all is darkness
And we feel our weakness and helplessness,
Give us the sense of Your Presence,
Your Love and Your Strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
In Your protecting love
And strengthening power,
So that nothing may frighten or worry us,For, living close to You,
We shall see Your Hand,
Your Purpose, Your Will, through all things.
By St. Ignatius of Loyola
Resources
- Catholic Guide to Depression
- Prayer to St Dymphna for Nervous Disorders & Mental Illness
- Love Traditional Catholic prayers? Check out the Pieta Prayer Book
Prayer background music composed by St Hildegard Von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy
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Very beautiful prayer. Thanks for posting. You may also have recourse to that beautiful poem by St. Teresa of Avila. Do you know the one I am talking about?
Are you referring to “Let nothing disturb you (Nada te turbe)”?
Yes!
In carehome roommate lies and lies I asked her why she lies I don’t know she said I’m so miserable she reads bible humming and humming saying her prayers loud I say my rosary your controlling she said because after 2- years I started doing what I want social service is tired of us complaining now one nurse said do you to move you know how evil she was she put chair in front of bathroom
I heard person tell nurse her b would not let her use bathroom I wrote 2-.’page letter to her sister did you write this letter yes I said. Sister cried and cried for about 30 minutes her sister her chair stays there and I just her other resident couldn’t use bathroom I cannot believe what she said you were not even her darn chair Is touching my curtain I bought her a plant I bought a green blanket with her name on it she’s doing everything to get me to leave her bible lies singing lies humming for hours my counselor said Gloria you have no power over anybody I m crying staff said it could be worse & she knows it nurse says put your headphones on -lucky me I have a excellent hearing just ask my husband and son