10 WAYS TO PRAY FOR TRAUMA SURVIVORS
INTRODUCTION
Prayer is powerful way to support trauma survivors and those affected by trauma. However, most people feel unsure about how to pray for those who have experienced trauma. That’s why we created this field guide, to offer some guidance on how we can offer prayers for healing, strength, and comfort.
~Jamie Aten, PH.D., & Kent Annan, M.DIV.
10 Ways to Pray for Trauma Survivors
1. PRAY FOR HEALING AND COMFORT
- Pray for emotional, physical, and spiritual healing for those who have been affected by trauma.
- Ask God to provide comfort and peace to trauma survivors as they navigate their healing journey.
2. PRAY FOR STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE
- Pray that trauma survivors find the strength and resilience needed to persevere through their recovery process.
- Ask God to provide them with the courage to face their fears and overcome any obstacles they may encounter.
3. PRAY FOR SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING
- Pray that friends, family, and the church community offer understanding, empathy, and encouragement to those impacted by trauma.
- Ask God to equip you with the wisdom and compassion needed to effectively support trauma survivors.
- Pray for God's guidance for the mental health and healthcare professionals walking alongside trauma survivors.
4. PRAY FOR SPIRITUAL CONNECTION
- Pray that trauma survivors experience a deepening connection with God during their healing journey.
- Ask God to reveal His presence and Love to those who have experienced trauma, leading to hope and renewal.
5. PRAY FOR SAFETY AND PROTECTION
- Pray for the ongoing safety and protection of trauma survivors, espeically during times when they may feel vulnerable or triggered.
- Ask God to surround them with a sense of security and provide the necessary resources to ensure their well-being.
6. PRAY FOR HOPE AND RESTORATION
- Pray that trauma survivors regain hope in their future and experience a restoration of joy, purpose, and well-being in their lives.
- Ask God to remind them of His promises and to provide them with the assurance that He is walking alongside them on their path to healing.
7. PRAY FOR WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT
- Pray for trauma survivors to have wisdom and discernment in making decisions related to their healing journey, such as seeking appropriate support, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care.
- Ask God to guide them in recognizing and embracing the resources and relationships that will contribute to their recovery and growth.
8. PRAY FOR CARE AND SUPPORT
- Pray that trauma survivors receive the care and support they need from friends, family, the Church, and professional resources.
- Ask God to ensure that they have access to the necessary resources and to help them recognize and accept the support available to them.
9. PRAY FOR SPIRITUAL FORTITUDE TO ENDURE
- Pray that trauma survivors develop spiritual fortitude and resilience, empowering them to face and endure the hardships they may encounter during their healing journey.
- Ask God to provide comfort and care for those impacted by trauma.
10. PRAY FOR HOW YOU AND YOUR CHURCH CAN BECOME MORE TRAUMA-INFORMED
- Pray as you and your church become more trauma-informed.
- Ask God to show you and your church, organization, or community how to create a more trauma-sensitive and supportive environment, so that everyone feels welcome, understood, and cared for.
CONCLUSION
As Christians, let us commit ourselves to a deeper understanding of the needs of trauma survivors and our role in their healing journey. We hope these prayers inspire you to act with empathy, love, and faith as you work to create a truly trauma-informed church, organization, or community.
For more information or to become a certified Spiritual First Aid Responder: www.SpiritualFirstAid.org