Grief and Comfort - new hope
for those in loss
Scripture: "Blessed
are they that mourn,
for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4.
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HealMyLife.com > Articles > Inner Healing > Grief and Comfort |
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© George Hartwell, Toronto, Ontario |
Keywords: Grief, Loss, death, mourning, death, comfort, inner healing, emotional healing |
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Grief and Comfort - new hope
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Need: What do we need whenever we experience a loss? When there is sorrow is in our spirit; when we are weeping on the inside: when we have tears and are in mourning? What is needed for our heartache? We need comfort. To experience a healthy grief process we need to be with someone who can provide comfort.
What is Comfort? A good comforter is one who comes alongside us with empathy and understanding. We are able to open our heart and spirit when a safe person is there with us. With comfort we begin to relax and feel more peaceful.
Let the words of Jesus sink in: Let Jesus speak to you personally: "Blessed are you that mourn, for the resources of heaven are here to comfort you. I am here to comfort you if you turn to me."
Say what you need: Tell Jesus that you need his comfort. Ask him to be your comforter. Say in your heart, out loud, or in writing: "Jesus, I do need your comfort." We receive when and because we ask. "Ask and you will receive."
Picture his comfort: Picture that Jesus is present. He is with you. He is there for you. He is listening. Picture a place where you can be safe with him to share what is on your heart. It will help to picture a place where you can be safe and comfortable in meeting with Jesus. Picture yourself in that safe place talking with Jesus.
Share your heart: Imagine yourself pouring your heart out to Jesus as he listens with compassion. Tell him how you feel. Express your loss. Take time to grieve. Tears are okay. When you express your heart pain, grief and loss you are opening your heart to receive comfort. This is good. Express your feelings from your heart. Be honest, direct and personal. It is okay to cry. Crying lets the sad out of you. Crying lets you experience the reality of you. With Jesus you are safe. You can be yourself.
Be still and listen/know Jesus: When you have gotten it all out - the words said, the tears shed - be still. Notice what happens. Let your heart be comforted by Jesus. Listen to any confirming verse, thought or melody that comes to your mind. Notice what Jesus does. Jesus has love and understanding. He will usually listen. You may feel his comfort.
Experience Jesus: Allow yourself to experience the presence of Jesus. Is he listening? Understanding? Compassionate? Do you find that asking for and picturing his presence is comforting?
How do you feel? Notice how you feel. Let the good feelings sink in. Stay a while with Jesus. This is your time - let your heart receive. Let both the feelings sink into your heart.
What did you learn? While still experiencing your heart feelings ask yourself: "What is true? What have I learned?" Be still to let that message sink in to your heart.
Finally. Give thanks to God. Make note of what happened. Remember the message.
Note on discernment in this process: During an encounter with God it is best to let go of mental control. Do not try to control the process by active thinking, doubting and analyzing. This is not the way to encounter the risen Christ. In Luke the risen Christ says: "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your minds?" The risen Christ says to Thomas: "Stop doubting and believe." So relax and enter in without interfering with your mind. However ..
Your certainly can let your mind observe - see, hear and sense - what is happening, but stay open and ready to encounter the risen Christ in your spirit. After a prayer encounter you can verify against scripture and the principles and nature of God. A bad feeling and a strange message is not likely God. God is more likely to leave us feeling comforted and encouraged. However during the process let go of your control and allow yourself to receive from God.
© George Hartwell, October 2003, inner healing for those in grief, facing loss, mourning.
Please let me know if you have any questions, comments or observations about this tool of Listening Prayer Therapy. To post comments and testimonies send me an E-mail. If you are making copies for use with a group I would request that you build in a form of evaluation or feedback and share this feedback with me. Thanks. George <><