Fighting Depression

I got really really depressed this past weekend. I don't rightly know what was going on, just that I was extremely low. And I felt sick-sort of, and I pushed myself too hard and got too much done, and felt very depressed the entire time.

I'm still feeling the aftereffects, and feel not undepressed, but rather that somehow I've shoved it out to the edges of my existence, so I can carry on.

Today I remembered a really nice Akathist called Jesus Light for those in Darkness This is a lovely, lovely prayer for anyone fighting depression. The prayer was composed by Archpriest Lawrence Farley.

Here's the beginning. Click on the link to read/pray the whole thing. It's wonderful:

Kontakion 1 (Tone 7)

Out of the depths of darkness and despair I cry to You, O Lord, You that hung upon the
Cross in darkness. From the pit of pain and confusion, I lift up this prayer, and with all
my heart I sing aloud to You: Jesus, light to those in darkness, glory to You!

Ikos 1 (see Ps. 77)

In the day of my trouble, I seek You, O Lord, and in the night my hand is stretched out
without wearying. My eyes find no rest from weeping, and I am so troubled that I cannot
speak. Yet as my spirit ponders in the night, I raise this song to You:
JESUS, rescuer of the abandoned!
JESUS, hope of those in despair!
JESUS, guiding star to the lost!
JESUS, joyful return of the exile!
JESUS, unforeseen victory!
JESUS, eternal triumph!
JESUS, radiant dawn after endless night!
JESUS, everlasting light of the Kingdom!
JESUS, wipe away my tears!
JESUS, calm the panic of my heart!
JESUS, exultation of those hemmed in by fear!
JESUS, joy of those crushed by sorrow!
JESUS, light to those in darkness, glory to You!

Comments

Sarah said…
Great prayer! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I will be praying for you.
elizabeth said…
yes; such a good akathist;

I was blessed to have heard Fr. Lawrence preach on this Akathist shortly after it was published for use in his church... it is a very special one...

I have also recently been introduced to this one, which is also helpful...
Akathist to Almighty God for Help in trouble

(FYI it is found online but one of the sources itself is a bit off so here's what the booklet looks like...
http://www.conciliarpress.com/books/from-our-bookstore/from-our-bookstore-prayer-books-and-service-books/akathist-to-almighty-god-for-help-in-trouble.html)

My small prayers and my love.
Anonymous said…
I had a bit of a rough weekend too. Love the Akathist. Praying!

Marigold.
Anna said…
Wonderful akathist. I am starting to really enjoy them! I will save this one for the future, if needed.

Good to see you pulling through...

Hugs~ Anna
Mimi said…
Prayers.
I often find that I get depressed in the summer. It's like an opposite SAD thing.
Anonymous said…
One of my favorites,Alana.Glad to see it posted.
Hang in there.

Blessings,
Mary