What can I do?

A prayer can be as little as a pause in your day, lifting up the names of those you love or care for. You can pray for yourself. You can recite prayers from your childhood or your dinner table. You can be spontaneous. The point is to express sincere and open hearted compassion for those affected by mental illness.
That person who could use a prayer may be yourself.

NAMI has a program called FaithNet. This online resource encourages and equips faith communities to be welcoming and supportive of people living with mental illness. FaithNet recognizes the vital role spirituality can play in one’s recovery.

*This is a series of Questions by NAMI CCNS FaithNet to raise awareness for the National Day of Prayer Campaign, beginning August 30th going through Oct. 5, 2016

Please feel free to  check out these two topical NAMI National resources:

• Inspirational and Healing Prayers – Prayers can be shared in many ways both formally and informally. Many faith traditions find that by praying together and sharing inspirations can help promote understanding and encouragement.
• National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding – The National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding has been designated as the Tuesday of Mental Illness Awareness Week which is first week in October of each year. This year, the National Day of Prayer takes place Oct. 4, 2016. Mental illness networks and faith leaders are urged to work together so that they may recognize and prepare for this day in a way that works best for each faith community. The prayers and actions of both faith communities and secular organizations (e.g. NAMI, NMHA, DBSA, OCF, ADAA, etc.) are needed to restore mental wellness in America. In seeking God’s guidance, we can recommit ourselves to replacing misinformation, blame, fear and prejudice with truth and love in order to offer hope to all who are touched by mental illness.