by Dale S. Ryan You can, of course, just pretend that it’s not there. This is a fairly common strategy. Does it work? That depends. People who struggle with addictions, people who have an addicted parent and people who have an addicted child may decide that your church just doesn’t get it and they will eventually leave. If that’s the outcome you want, then pretending may be worth considering. … [Read more...] about Recovery Ministry in the Local Church
Search Results for: shame
How a Jewish Drunk Challenged My Idea of the Church: Toward an Ecclesiology of Recovery
by Matt Russell Jerry first came to Mercy Street, our church in Houston, Texas, with his AA home group. Like most regulars, he settled into his weekly spot in the fellowship hall (back-left). He listened intently, didn't sing many of the worship songs, but participated in the "Recovery and Spirituality" group that followed worship. Jerry was on the van ministry that picked up folks from various … [Read more...] about How a Jewish Drunk Challenged My Idea of the Church: Toward an Ecclesiology of Recovery
Keep Breathing
Introduction There are times in life when we have no idea what to do. It is as if we are stunned. Immobilized. It may be because things are happening so quickly that we can’t keep up. Often it is because a crisis has taken over our lives. Whatever the specific cause, there are times in life when we feel lost and confused. Few of us will go through life without experiencing such times. Even … [Read more...] about Keep Breathing
Being Held as Prayer
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:9-10 Prayer is knowing that wherever we go, wherever we are, we are held securely by God. We might pray this way by reflecting on images of being held by Love. We might sit quietly for a few minutes and feel ourselves held securely in God’s … [Read more...] about Being Held as Prayer
Being Blessed by God as Prayer
And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:16 Sometimes prayer is receiving God’s blessing. Sometimes prayer is allowing Jesus to gently place his hands on us and speak words of blessing over us. To bless someone is to envision a positive future for them. It is to speak of the promise of God’s care and provision throughout their lives. We often envision … [Read more...] about Being Blessed by God as Prayer
Entrusting All to God as Prayer
Therefore, I urge you…in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God— this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 Prayer is an act of entrusting … [Read more...] about Entrusting All to God as Prayer
Becoming Like Little Children as Prayer
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:14 This story … [Read more...] about Becoming Like Little Children as Prayer
Honesty as Prayer
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Psalm 51: 1,6 Prayer is not a performance. It is not an attempt to impress God. Prayer is honest communication. Transparency is the cornerstone of intimacy in any … [Read more...] about Honesty as Prayer
Pouring Out Our Hearts as Prayer
Trust in him at all times, O people, pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 When we listen with an open heart to the outpouring of another person’s heart, something happens. A bond forms. A closeness grows. And out of this relationship healing begins to take place. But sharing one’s heart requires trust in the other person. It requires trust that the other … [Read more...] about Pouring Out Our Hearts as Prayer
Crying as Prayer
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. Psalm 86:5-7 Sometimes prayer is a cry from our heart. It is a raw pleading for mercy in times of trouble. There may be times of trouble when we find ourselves thinking, “I can’t go to God … [Read more...] about Crying as Prayer
