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Caroline closes out her four-part series on wellness by discussion spiritual wellness. Two key activities for spiritual growth are prayer and Bible study.
Prayer
The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Neibuhr (1892-1971, German theologian)
https://www.prayerfoundation.org/dailyoffice/serenity_prayer_full_version.htm
God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardship as a pathway to peace. Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will, so that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.
Caroline also shared the ACTS prayer as a model for prayer.
A=Adoration
C=Confession
T=Thanksgiving
S=Supplication (petition, praying for needs for self and others).
Prayer Assignment:
- Write a prayer expressing your pain, struggles, doubts, questions, etc. God can take whatever you have to say. He wants you to come before his throne and pour out your heart to him. So pour away.
- Write a prayer thanking God for listening. Offer words of praise for the blessings in your life.
- Write a prayer, asking God to make his presence known to you throughout this process of recovery and into the future. Express your commitment to healing and health by whatever means God designs.
Bible study
When it comes to the Bible, Caroline suggests both reading and studying. One suggested method of studying includes four questions to ask after reading a passage.
Studying God’s Word
- Begin with prayer, asking God to bring insights and understanding to the passage you are about to read.
- Read a passage from scripture (a few verses at a time is usually plenty when you are first starting)
- Look back over the passage, meditate on the words, and ask yourself the following questions:
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- What is happening in the context of the passage? Refer to a few verses before and after the assigned passage for greater understanding.
- What do I learn about God?
- What are some principles, or teachings, I can identify in the passage?
- How can I apply God’s words in my current situation?
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- End in prayer, specifically asking God to help you live out his word in your daily life.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!
Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.
NEED HELP?
Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564
A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON CAROLINE’S WEBSITE.
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