"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
MAY 2020
"The Lord will help them on their bed of pain; in their sickness, you tend even to their bedding."
-Psalm 41:4
During this time of pandemic across our country and our world, it is understandable that you may feel a wide range of emotions: anxiety, grief, anger, or others. For abuse survivors, this pandemic may add even extra burden to you, emotionally and economically. Perhaps you are sheltering alone and find it lonely or perhaps you sheltering with others and find it hard. You may be an essential worker or have lost a job. Perhaps you grieve the loss of a loved one to the virus or struggle to regain your own health. Whatever your journey at this time, commit to finding a way to reach out to others and to God. Let people know how you are feeling and share from your heart. Look for ways that God and friends can answer your prayers. And if you need extra help, try calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network, or other resources that can be found here.