Praying Over Trauma
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Excerpt: Helping Helpers - Session 3
Section: Trauma - Praying Over Trauma
Speakers: Benji Horning
Offering Prayer to Someone Going Through Trauma
Offering prayer to someone experiencing trauma can be a profound way to provide support and spiritual comfort. Here are some key points to consider when praying for someone in such a situation:
1. Tune into the Holy Spirit
Be Present: Before you start praying, spend time in silent reflection, listening to the person and to the Holy Spirit. What someone needs may change from week to week.
Discernment: Seek guidance on what to pray for and how to approach the situation.
2. Scripture-Based Prayers
Research: Beforehand, look up encouraging and relevant Bible verses that speak to their situation.
Promise of God: Using scripture in your prayers can provide lasting encouragement and reassurance.
3. Pray with Expectation and Faith
Power of Prayer: Remember that prayer is powerful and effective. Approach it with the belief that God can and will act.
Intentionality: Don’t treat prayer as a formality but as an essential and potent part of the support you offer.
4. Empathetic Prayer
Feel with Them: Allow yourself to be moved by their situation. Empathy in your prayer can profoundly impact them, showing genuine care and understanding.
Emotional Connection: Whether or not you are someone who easily shows emotion, let your heart be open to their pain and struggle.
Steps for Praying with Someone in Trauma
Listen First
Hear Their Story: Allow them to share their thoughts and feelings without interruption.
Understand Their Needs: Grasp the specifics of their situation to make your prayer relevant and meaningful.
Invite the Holy Spirit
Silent Reflection: Take a moment to invite the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer.
Be Sensitive: Be attuned to any promptings or insights that might direct your prayer.
Use Scripture in Prayer
Prepare Verses: Have some Bible verses ready that are comforting and relevant. Examples include:
Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Incorporate Them: Weave these verses into your prayer to remind them of God’s promises.
Pray with Expectation
Faith-filled Prayer: Pray with the belief that God hears and can intervene in their situation.
Specific Requests: Be specific in your prayer, addressing their particular needs and struggles.
Empathetic Connection
Show Compassion: Let your empathy come through in your prayer. Acknowledge their pain and express your heartfelt concern.
Emotional Authenticity: If you are moved to tears or deep emotion, let that be part of your prayer. Authenticity can be deeply comforting.
Example Prayer
Here is an example of a prayer you might offer:
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with heavy hearts, lifting up [Name] who is going through such a difficult time. Lord, You see their pain, their confusion, and their suffering. Your Word says that You are close to the brokenhearted and that You save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). We ask that You would draw near to [Name] now, surrounding them with Your peace and comfort.
Lord, we remember Your promise in Isaiah 41:10: 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' May [Name] feel Your presence and strength in a tangible way today.
We pray for healing over the wounds that trauma has inflicted. We ask for Your grace to cover every part of their life. Give them hope and remind them that You are with them every step of the way.
Father, we trust in Your power to bring transformation and healing. We pray with expectation, knowing that You are a God who hears and answers prayers. Help us to be patient, loving, and supportive friends to [Name], walking with them through this journey.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Conclusion
Praying with someone who has experienced trauma is a significant and sacred responsibility. By listening, incorporating scripture, praying with faith, and showing genuine empathy, you can offer profound support and comfort. Remember that the Holy Spirit guides your words and actions, and your role is to reflect God's love and presence in their time of need.
The Share the Struggle Helping Helpers Course is designed for helpers & leaders both formally (pastors, small group leaders) and informally (family, friends, volunteers), giving a practical and safe framework for coming alongside someone well in the middle of their struggle(s). The Share the Struggle L.E.S.S. (Listen, Explore, Share, Support) framework equips helpers with the tools for active listening, root cause exploration, 3-story discipleship, and when to involve other forms of support. Furthermore, helping helpers walks listeners through the specific considerations and tools for helping someone through anxiety, shame, trauma, miscarriage, pornography addiction, grief, eating disorders, and suicide prevention.
Share The Struggle Courses
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Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply.
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