"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
OCTOBER 2019
"Contemplate how you are being asked to give your heart to God amidst your everyday activities."
-St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Prayer is a key aspect of the healing journey, but it may seem difficult to devote more than a few minutes each day to your prayer. Gratefully, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton offers another way to think about prayer. She reminds us that prayer does not have to be done sitting down with your hands folded and eyes closed (although that is definitely an option)! Prayer can be done in the midst of your daily life. As you walk to a meeting, do your work, or converse with family, friends, and co-workers. Becoming mindful of God's presence with us throughout our day is a form of prayer. This month, try being mindful of God's presence. One way to begin is by walking into work each day and imagining God there.