Litany of Consolation

This is a beautiful litany written by Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P. and published in the January 2007 edition of Magnificat. If you know of someone in need of prayers for their mental health, you might pray this for them.

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus ~ Philippians 4:6-7

Many, many thanks to Charlotte at Waltzing Matilda, who has kindly shared this awesome prayer.

Litany of Consolation

When the darkness of depression overshadows me, Lord Jesus, you say: I am the Light of the world.

When plagued by my fragility and all my limitations, Lord Jesus, you say: Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of God is theirs.

When sadness takes hold of me, Lord Jesus, you say: Blessed are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled.

When tormented by my insecurity and my inadequacy, Lord Jesus, you say: Blessed are the lowly; they shall inherit the earth.

When lost and unsure about where to turn, Lord Jesus, you say: Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

When fretful and obsessive about so many things, Lord Jesus, you say: Do not worry about what you are to eat of drink or use for clothing.

When lethargy and listlessness take over, Lord Jesus, you say: Seek first the Father's kingship over you and all will be given you.

When worry about your future paralyzes me, Lord Jesus, you say: Let tomorrow take care of itself.

When I feel helpless and forsaken, Lord Jesus, you say: Ask and you will receive.

When shame and guilt overwhelm me, Lord Jesus, you say: I have come to call, not the self-righteous, but sinners.

When engulfed by anxiety and fear, Lord Jesus, you say: Do not be afraid of anything.

When my life lacks any purpose or direction, Lord Jesus, you say: Follow me.

When I believe I am worthless and a total disappointment, Lord Jesus, you say: You are worth more than an entire flock of sparrows.

When weighed down my the addictions of my life, Lord Jesus, you say: Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome.

When the harshness and ruthlessness of life assail me, Lord Jesus, you say: I am gentle and humble of heart: your souls will find rest.

When it seems I have only a little to offer, Lord Jesus, you say: To the one who has, more will be given.

When I crave approval and fear the judgment of others, Lord Jesus, you say: Whoever becomes lowly like a little child is of greatest importance in the kingdom of God.

When I'm feeling discouraged because of my body, Lord Jesus, you say: Remain in me.

When my situation seems hopeless, Lord Jesus, you say: For God, all things are possible.

When I fear that my life is irrelevant and insignificant, Lord Jesus, you say: The last shall be first.

When I'm afraid to face the truth about myself, Lord Jesus, you say: Whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

When exhausted by tedium, tiresomeness, and stress, Lord Jesus, you say: Come by yourselves to an out-of-the-way place and rest a little.

When terrified by the raging storms of life, Lord Jesus, you say: Do not be afraid; it is I.

When I am full of doubt, with no one to depend on, Lord Jesus, you say: Everything is possible to one who trusts.

When it's hard to persevere and I'm tempted to give up, Lord Jesus, you say: By patient endurance you will save your lives.

When bitterness and resentment poison my heart, Lord Jesus, you say: If the Son frees you, you will truly be free.

When I feel like I belong to no one, Lord Jesus, you say: I know my sheep and my sheep know me.

When I see nothing but my wrongdoing and failures, Lord Jesus, you say: Do not let your heart be troubled; have faith in me.

When swayed by moralism, relativism, and nihilism, Lord Jesus, you say: I am the way, the truth, and the life.

When I am feeling cut off, alienated, and alone, Lord Jesus, you say: I am the vine, you are the branches.

When duped by self-absorption and self-obsessiveness, Lord Jesus, you say: Apart from me you can do nothing.

When despairing because of isolation and alienation, Lord Jesus, you say: I will not leave you orphans.

When downcast from feeling friendless and betrayed, Lord Jesus, you say: I call you friends.

When I refuse to believe that anyone could love me, Lord Jesus, you say: It was not you who chose me, it was I who chose you.

When tempted to apathy, cynicism, and dread, Lord Jesus, you say: Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.

When polluted by hatred and violence of the world, Lord Jesus, you say: Take courage; I have overcome the world.

When I think that happiness is nothing but a delusion, Lord Jesus, you say: Do you love me?

When my life reaches a dead-end and I lack all desire, Lord Jesus, you say: Do you love me?

When I decide that life has no meaning, Lord Jesus, you say: Do you love me?

Yes, Lord Jesus, I do! Lord Jesus, you say: Live on in my love.

Our Father...