WomenHealing.com
Pray. Heal. Love.
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"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 and holds me close" 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
December 2024
Have you experienced a time in your life, maybe even now, when you feel you are living in a "land of gloom"?Does it feel like you don't have an inner spark, or maybe it feels unsafe to even hope for an inner spark? This can be a common feeling for those who have experienced abuse. Life can feel dark, overwhelming, uncertain. It was into this space that God came as the Christ child. God came into the life of an unmarried young woman who was living in poverty. You can imagine her feelings of uncertainty and fear for the future. But that is where God chose to dwell. And God chooses to dwell with you, too. God is with you in the land of gloom and is there with a warming light - not an overwhelming light - but a warmth to bring you comfort. In your prayer this month, take some time to imagine God holding you close to God's heart of warming light. The word we hear at Christmas - Emmanuel - means "God is with us". This is the good news of Christmas, indeed!
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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.