Rick Warren Asks for Prayers on Easter Sunday, Anniversary of Son's Suicide

Southern California evangelical Pastor Rick Warren recently requested prayers ahead of Easter Sunday and the anniversary of his son Matthew's death.

Warren took to his official Facebook page on April 1 to request prayers for him and his family ahead of last weekend's Easter Sunday services. Warren explained that his son, Matthew, committed suicide on April 5, 2013 at the age of 27 after battling depression.

"On this Easter week two years ago, my son Matthew ended his life, and his 27-year battle with mental illness. That day, April 5th, coming 5 days after Easter, was the worst day of my life," the 61-year-old pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California shared on Facebook. "On a day where everything in me wants to be quiet and low-key, be alone at home with my Lord and my wife and kids, and just get through the day without having to interact or be 'on' or celebrate anything [...] instead I will be leading multiple Easter services on the biggest Christian day of the year."

Warren went on to say that of course he is overjoyed the celebrate Jesus' resurrection, but he wishes he could do it privately with family, as this year Easter follows exactly on the anniversary of his son's death.

"So I ask for your prayers. Pray that out of my family's pain, Jesus Christ will be honored. Pray that the Holy Spirit will tell me what to say. And pray that He will then give me the strength to say it over and over and over with winsome passion," Warren added in his prayer request.