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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. 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
FEBRUARY 2021
"...she explained in the presence of all the people why she had touched him and how she had been healed...."
-Luke 8:47
The woman who suffered from hemorrhages was not only in physical pain, but because of Jewish purity laws was likely separated from her community. Her healing story was not only about physical healing, but relational healing, too.
As abuse survivors, many of us suffer from relational wounds that seem to never end. We have trouble connecting with others, feeling safe with others, and trusting others. This month, let us take time in prayer to talk with God about where we are in our journeys and ask God to help us find peace and patience with wherever we are in our relational healing.
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If you need some extra support, try calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network, or other resources that can be found here.