"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

AUGUST 2021

"He prayed for death saying:

This is enough, O Lord!

....but then an angel touched him and ordered him to get up and eat.”

-1 Kings 19: 4, 5

 

In this passage Elijah has had enough and he cries out to God. Perhaps you have had one of these "Elijah" moments in your life or are going through a time right now when it feels like life is too much. Everything feels overwhelming. It seems like you can't go on. 

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I have been there and you have probably, too. It is important in these moments to lift your heart to God and to friends or family. To cry out to others as Elijah does in this scripture passage. He lets God know it is too much. You can do the same. Instead of shutting down, consider reaching out. 

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Most importantly, know that God still has plans for you, beyond this difficult time. Be reminded, as Elijah was, to do the simple things in these tough times: eat, drink, bathe, call a friend. These will nourish you and help you get back on the road of life. 

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If you don't feel you have a family member or friend with whom you can speak, consider calling the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800.273.8255.


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