Practical Christianity: When Crisis Comes: Suggestions for the believer on how to be a practical comforter for those in crisis.
When someone is in a crisis, don't just "pray for" the person, pray "with them". When praying corporately, it helps to pray aloud, though of course with order. When you pray with someone, it is more comforting to the person being prayed for, they recognise the prayer being heard, because they hear it, they feel the presence of love, and compassion. You connect, and support each other in the prayer, showing that you are paying attention to the crisis, and caring about the person in it.
When you pray, don't pray half-prayers: "Remember <insert name> and just be with her lord, and strengthen her" That's only half the prayer. Pray boldly and pray with might.
"Remember---And Lord I ask that you would do <insert specific things>"
Take for example, a woman whose husband has left her for an actress. She's distraught, and quite frankly it was a miracle she even made it to church to begin with. When praying with her, she doesn't need a sugar coated "Praise Jesus, and help her" prayer, she needs a Heaven shaking petition!
"I ask Lord, that you would give her distractions, and help keep her mind off the pain, and that you would lead her step by step through the grieving process, and that if it is your will, and you lead her to such a place where she is willing, that you would restore her marriage with a faithful man whom you will bring into her life. I ask that you would open places in the schedules of her sisters here, and that they could take her in to give her practical comfort, and give her sleep, and an appetite to eat again, and most of all Lord, give her the grace and strength to get to work in the morning, and give her favour with people, and help her to do good for others, and not be bitter, or resentful. Help her to forgive her husband, and help her to move on with joy. In Jesus' name, amen."
Etc, etc. And while it isn't altogether specific as I would like it to be, this example anyway...you kinda get the point.
And another thing, practical comfort.
If say, this woman where a member of a church you are going to (if you do that is), how would you comfort her? Just tell her you're praying? Why not help her clean, or be there for a girl's night in, and how about cooking dinner for her, and picking her up to eat with you? And if she has kids, I'm sure she could use a break. And when she wants to talk about the problem...the best thing you can do, is actually pay attention. If you have a coupon for a spa treatment, you can sacrifice perhaps, take her with you, or even give it to her.
Things like that, showing practical love, heals alot more than "praying for someone". Prayer is very powerful, and our most powerful tool. But it must be bolstered with being a blessing. To be a blessing, is more than a sloppy "praise the Lord, I love you like a sister", it means to care for the orphans and widows. "The sacrifice of praise" is worth less than Obedience, for sacrifices are not what God wants, but obedience. True religion is to care, true obedience is religious.
I really like this. I often struggle to find my place in these sort of scenerios. I must admit I am very guilty of the "I'll be praying for you" comments. I would love more of these practical suggestions and reminders from anyone who has any.
Indeed. Share your practical wisdom fellow members! :D