Prayer Alert: Pastor Rick Warren's Son, Matthew, Commits Suicide

Julie A. Smith, Editor - The Elijah List : Apr 6, 2013
Fox News/AP

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit." -Ps.34:18

Matthew Warren, youngest son of Pastor Rick Warren and his wife Kay, committed suicide Friday night - he was 27 years old. Matthew had been struggling with mental illness and depression throughout his life and had received the best health care available.

FoxNews reports: "Warren, the author of the multimillion-selling book The Purpose Driven Life, said in an email to church staff that he and his wife had enjoyed a fun Friday evening with their son before Matthew Warren returned home to take his life in 'a momentary wave of despair.'" (Photo: Pastor Rick Warren/Twitter.com)

Rick Warren's church, Saddleback, located in Southern California, released in a statement today, "Matthew was an incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate young man whose sweet spirit was encouragement and comfort to many."

"I'll never forget how, many years ago," added Pastor Warren in an email to his church family, "after another approach had failed to give relief, Matthew said, 'Dad, I know I'm going to Heaven. Why can't I just die and end this pain?'"

His son Matthew went on to live another decade, reaching out to help others.

The Saddleback Church is asking for prayers for the entire Warren family in this time.

Let's all be praying for the Warren family in their hour of need and ask for the Great Comforter to bring them great comfort in this time.

Our deepest condolences to the Warren family and our prayers surround you.

-The Entire Staff at The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News