I co-wrote these guides for the Fayetteville Prayer Room with my friend, Lana, who guides contemplative prayer gatherings here.
For I am afflicted and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. Psalm 109:22
Most of us carry wounds, shame and disappointment from events in our lives. These experiences often shape how we see God, ourselves and others. But the Holy Spirit desires to heal us and set us free to walk in the abundant life He offers. As we invite Him to speak into our past and the beliefs we’ve formed because of it, we open ourselves to receive wholeness, freedom and rest.
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Guide
Set aside at least an hour of time in a setting where you won’t be distracted or bothered.
Prepare to listen. Pray aloud, “Lord, I surrender all parts of myself to You and invite You to speak to me. I silence all other voices now, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Ask questions. God comforts the brokenhearted and sets free those who are bound (Isaiah 61). In the security of God’s presence, ask Him to uncover areas where you may
- Be living in bondage rather than freedom
- Experience persistent painful emotions
- Be suppressing God-given longings
- Often overreact to people or situations
Let emotions surface. When God identifies an area of brokenness or bondage, ask Him to help you tune in to what you are feeling. Writing can be a helpful way to connect thoughts and emotions. Be patient with yourself. If distractions emerge, gently set them aside.
If it feels overwhelming or unsafe to engage with difficult emotions alone, you can schedule a prayer session with trained ministers through the Prayer Room website.
Ask God to reveal the root. Pray, “When was the first time I felt this emotion?” Wait quietly and allow God to bring an impression, memory or insight to your mind. Sit with God in that place and let Him comfort you. God is always kind; if shame arises, confidently dismiss it.
Identify the impact. Once the root has surfaced, invite God to replace any wounded mindsets with His truth. Ask, “How has this experience shaped my beliefs?” Then, “What truth do You want to speak to me instead?” Receive God’s words and let them wash over your mind.
Break agreement with lies. Seal today’s work by declaring God’s truth over yourself. Reject every lie He has revealed and repent for partnering with it. In Jesus’ name, close every door the enemy has used. Then, invite a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit in the renewed space.
Listen again. Ask God, “Is there anything else you want me to know right now?” You may receive a word, picture, Bible verse or simply a sense of peace.
Rest in God’s presence. Thank God for anything He spoke to you and any healing He brought.