"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and God saved them from their distress."

Psalm 107:19

PRAY

Prayer can be a grace-filled aid on your healing journey. It helps you to center when you are feeling overwhelmed by memories of abuse or by the stress of everyday triggers. It allows your body to relax so that your physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds may heal. Perhaps most importantly, it is a reminder that you are not on this journey alone. God is with you. 

 

Here is a helpful prayer practice for anytime of day:

 

If you have just a few moments, bring your attention to your body. Feel your feet on the ground. Notice your breath. In and out. Breathe from your belly. In...and out. Take time to breathe, knowing you don't have to rush. In...and out. Choose a prayer phrase that brings you comfort or affirms your healing such as "The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want." or "God is with me. I feel safe." Say this prayer phrase ten times as you breath. Pray the first line as you breathe in. Pray the second line as you breathe out. When you are done, take notice of any gentle shifts in your body. Do you feel a little more relaxed, focused, or peaceful? Thank God for being with you and close your prayer with an "Amen" or "Blessed be."

Monthly Reflection

SEPTEMBER 2022

"How I love your law, O Lord!

It is my meditation all the day."

-Psalm 119:97

 

How I wish I could keep God in my awareness, in my mind and heart, all day! I would love to remember that  God is with me through work challenges, difficult encounters, family frustrations, and more.

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On the healing journey, it is something for which we can strive; to remember God is with us through it all: when we are angry, sad, frustrated, scared...and when we are are delighted, inspired, and joyful, too!

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This month, when you are in the midst of a situation that is taking your awareness, see if you can also draw your awareness to the fact that God is there with you, too.

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Along the healing journey, consider talking with a trusted friend, family member, minister, or counselor. You are not alone. In moments of despair, remember to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800.273.8255 or go to your nearest emergency room.


If you need other support, consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network, or other resources that can be found here.

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