Trying to pray as, for, or with someone in the grips of uncertainty or lack of faith is a little like a modern poet’s trying to compose a new piece in the “genteel lyricism” of the 19th-century masters. Joy Ladin has written about how much of modern poetic expression is a skeptical reaction to the…
Category: Counseling
Praying With Those Affected by Mental Illness
If you need help or are experiencing crisis, please call the national suicide and crisis lifeline by dialing 988. Caring for and walking with those whose hurt we cannot heal is part of the call and regular work of the pastor. We as Christians do not worship a God of quick fixes; we confess a…
Praying with Someone Experiencing Anxiety
Recently I have been struck with the response people give me when I ask them, “What gift or blessing do you deeply desire God to give you?” Invariably, many of them respond with yearning for a kind of faith or trust in God that gives them some deep inner peace which is also manifested outwardly…